How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Illinois (2025 Guide)

How To File Bankruptcy in Illinois for Free

Chapter 7 bankruptcy wipes out credit cards, medical bills, and payday loans. Many people file on their own without hiring a lawyer.

You’ll get a fresh start by following our step-by-step process. We’ll show you how to complete the forms and deal with the filing fee. You’ll understand your options for your car, home, and other property. We’ve included tips based on where you live. You’ll also learn where to find free or low-cost legal help.

Getting started is easier than you think. Speak with a bankruptcy attorney for free to explore your options.

Collect Your Illinois Bankruptcy Documents

Gather important documents first. Doing so helps you fill out your bankruptcy forms. You’ll be required to submit certain documents to the court or trustee.

You’ll need these at minimum:

• Tax returns from the past two years
• Pay stubs or proof of income from the last 60 days
• A bank statement that includes your filing date

These documents can also be helpful:

• Credit card and loan statements
• Letters or notices from debt collectors
• 6–12 months of bank statements
• A recent credit report

You can get a free credit report from all three credit bureaus at AnnualCreditReport.com.

Take a Credit Counseling Course

Once your documents are ready, take the required credit counseling course. Everyone who files bankruptcy must do this. The course helps you understand debt relief options.

Here are important details about the course:

• You must take it within 180 days of filing
• You can take it online, by phone, or sometimes in person
• It usually costs $10–$50, but you can request a fee waiver
• You must use an approved agency

You’ll receive a certificate after completion. File your certificate with your bankruptcy forms. Without it, the court may dismiss your case.

Complete the Bankruptcy Forms

Every Chapter 7 filer completes the same federal bankruptcy forms. You can view and download the forms for free at USCourts.gov.

The forms ask for detailed information about your income, property, expenses, and debts.

Some bankruptcy courts also require local forms. Illinois has three federal court districts: Northern, Central, and Southern. Each one may have its own requirements. You’ll find more details about those later in this guide.

A bankruptcy attorney can help you complete these forms correctly. Get a free consultation to discuss your situation.

Get Your Filing Fee

The fee to file Chapter 7 bankruptcy is $338.

You may qualify for a fee waiver if your income is below 150% of the federal poverty guideline.

If you don’t qualify for a waiver, request an installment plan. Some people choose this option when facing urgent collection actions like wage garnishment or repossession. Once you file your case, the automatic stay stops most collections right away.

Keep in mind: Missing a payment on your plan may cause the court to dismiss your case. You won’t get a refund for what you’ve already paid. Make sure you have a solid plan for your payments.

Print Your Bankruptcy Forms

The Northern and Central Bankruptcy Districts of Illinois allow online submission. If you don’t live in those districts or prefer in-person filing, print your forms.

Follow these tips to make your forms court-ready:

• Use black ink
• Print single-sided pages only
• Use standard letter-size paper (8.5″ x 11″)
• Don’t staple, hole-punch, or bind your forms

Review everything carefully before you print. Make sure you include all required forms. Sign everywhere a signature is required after printing.

File Your Forms With Your Local Illinois Bankruptcy Court

Illinois has three federal bankruptcy districts: Northern, Central, and Southern. Each one has its own rules for people filing without an attorney.

Most filers in Illinois bring their forms to the courthouse in person or mail them. Some districts offer electronic filing for individuals. You’ll find district-specific details later in this guide.

Many people file in person at the courthouse. The clerk can check to make sure nothing is missing or unsigned. Doing so gives you extra peace of mind.

Mail Documents to Your Trustee

After you file, the court assigns your case to a bankruptcy trustee. A trustee is a neutral person who reviews your paperwork and oversees your case. You’ll get their name and contact information in an official court notice.

Send your trustee these key documents at least seven days before your 341 meeting:

• Your most recent federal tax return
• A bank statement that covers the day you filed
• Pay stubs or proof of income from the 60 days before filing

Take the Second Required Course

Once you’ve filed, complete the debtor education course. The course helps you build money management skills. You’ll be ready to make the most of your financial fresh start.

Here’s what you need to know:

• You must complete it within 60 days of your 341 meeting
• The cost is usually $10–$50, but you can apply for a fee waiver
• You must use a court-approved provider in your district
• You’ll get a certificate of completion when you finish
• File your certificate with the court or it may dismiss your case

Many people take the course before their 341 meeting. Doing so gets it out of the way. Either way, don’t miss the deadline.

Attend Your 341 Meeting

About a month after you file, attend the 341 meeting of creditors. Every Chapter 7 case requires this short meeting. Most people find it straightforward and less intimidating than expected.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Your bankruptcy trustee runs the meeting, not a judge
• In most cases, it takes about 10 minutes
• Your trustee checks your ID and asks basic questions about your paperwork
• Bring a photo ID and proof of your Social Security number
• The meeting usually happens by phone or video
• Creditors are allowed to attend, but they rarely do

Once your 341 meeting is complete, you’re closer to getting your debts discharged. As your case moves forward, think about how bankruptcy affects any vehicles you own or lease.

Deal With Your Car

Many people worry about losing their car in Chapter 7. Most filers keep their vehicles.

Whether you can keep yours depends on your car’s value and your equity. You can usually keep your car if its value is covered by the Illinois motor vehicle exemption. The exemption protects up to $2,400 of equity in one vehicle.

Equity is the car’s current fair market value minus any loans you owe. Find your car’s value on sites like KBB.com or Edmunds.com.

If you have a car loan, you still have options:

• If you’re current on payments and can afford them, keep the car by signing a reaffirmation agreement
• If you owe more than the car’s worth, consider redeeming it by paying its fair market value in one lump sum
• If you don’t want to keep the car, surrender it and wipe out the loan entirely

Illinois Bankruptcy Means Test

The means test helps the court decide whether you’re eligible for Chapter 7 based on your income.

The means test has two parts. First, look at your recent average monthly income. If your income is lower than the median for your household size in Illinois, you usually pass. You don’t have to do the second part.

If your income is above the median, the court examines your expenses. The court wants to see if you have disposable income to repay debts. If you don’t have much left over, you may still qualify for Chapter 7.

If the means test shows you’re eligible, move to the next step. Where and how you file depends on which Illinois district you live in.

Illinois Median Income Standards for 2025

Note: Income thresholds vary by household size. If your income is below the median for your household size, you typically qualify for Chapter 7.

Fee Waiver Eligibility for Illinois in 2025

You’re eligible for a fee waiver when your income is under 150% of the poverty level.

Illinois Districts and Filing Requirements

Illinois has three federal bankruptcy districts: Northern, Central, and Southern.

Each district has its own rules for filing forms, paying fees, and delivering documents. Find your county in the chart below. Then read the section for that district.

Northern District of Illinois Requirements

The Northern District of Illinois has two divisional offices:

• The Eastern Division (Chicago) serves Cook, DuPage, Lake, Kane, Will, Grundy, LaSalle, and Kendall counties
• The Western Division (Rockford) serves Boone, Carroll, DeKalb, Jo Daviess, Lee, McHenry, Ogle, Stephenson, Whiteside, and Winnebago counties

If you live in the Northern District, you have many filing options:

In person: File your bankruptcy documents at the Clerk’s Office during business hours. Bring a valid photo ID. If someone files on your behalf, they’ll need their ID plus yours.

At the court drop box: Available at both Chicago and Rockford courthouses during open hours. Put your documents and filing fee or fee waiver form in a sealed envelope. Include your name, case number (if applicable), phone number, and email address. Use the time stamp at the drop box.

Online via electronic drop box or eSR system:

• The electronic drop box (eDB) is a digital version of the physical drop box. Submit your completed documents electronically. Documents are typically processed within 24 hours.
• The electronic self-representation (eSR) system is a guided online tool for Chapter 7 filers without an attorney. Fill out a questionnaire and it builds your forms.

Via mail: Send your signed documents and filing fee or fee waiver to the courthouse serving your county:

• Chicago (Eastern Division)
  U.S. Bankruptcy Court
  219 S. Dearborn Street, Room 710
  Chicago, IL 60604
• Rockford (Western Division)
  U.S. Bankruptcy Court
  327 S. Church Street
  Rockford, IL 61101

Payment Options in the Northern District of Illinois

In the Northern District, pay your bankruptcy filing fee in person using cash (exact change only), cashier’s check, certified check, or money order.

You can also pay the fee online using a debit card or electronic payment from your bank account.

The court doesn’t accept personal checks or credit cards.

If you can’t afford the full fee at once, request installments. The court usually splits the $338 fee into four payments of $84.50. Pay at least half ($169) within the first 60 days after filing.

Central District of Illinois Requirements

The Central District of Illinois is divided into three divisions: Peoria, Springfield, and Urbana.

Each division handles cases for specific counties:

• Peoria Division: Rock Island, Mercer, Henderson, Hancock, McDonough, Warren, Henry, Knox, Fulton, Bureau, Stark, Putnam, Marshall, Peoria, Woodford, Tazewell
• Springfield Division: Adams, Pike, Brown, Schuyler, Mason, Cass, Morgan, Scott, Greene, Macoupin, Montgomery, Shelby, Christian, Sangamon, Menard, Logan, McLean, De Witt, Macon
• Urbana Division: Livingston, Kankakee, Ford, Iroquois, Piatt, Champaign, Vermilion, Moultrie, Douglas, Coles, Edgar

Filing Options in the Central District of Illinois

You can file your bankruptcy case in person at the courthouse nearest you, online, or via mail.

In person: File your bankruptcy documents at the Clerk’s Office during business hours, Monday through Friday. Bring a valid photo ID. If someone else files for you, they need their ID and yours.

Online via eSR or EDSS:

• The electronic self-representation (eSR) is a guided online tool for Chapter 7 filers without an attorney. Fill out a questionnaire and it builds your forms.
• The electronic document submission system (EDSS) is a secure digital drop box. Upload your signed documents from a computer or smartphone. The court reviews your documents and contacts you with next steps.

Via mail: Send your signed documents and filing fee or fee waiver to the courthouse serving your county:

• Peoria Division
  U.S. Bankruptcy Court
  100 N.E. Monroe Street, Room 216
  Peoria, IL 61602
• Springfield Division
  U.S. Bankruptcy Court
  600 E. Monroe Street, Room 240
  Springfield, IL 62701
• Urbana Division
  U.S. Bankruptcy Court
  201 S. Vine Street, Suite 226
  Urbana, IL 61802

Payment Options in the Central District of Illinois

Pay the $338 bankruptcy filing fee with a cashier’s check or money order made out to “Clerk, U.S. Bankruptcy Court.”

You can also pay with exact cash if you’re filing in person at the Springfield office only.

The court doesn’t accept personal checks or credit cards from people filing without a lawyer. You can’t pay your filing fee online in the Central District.

If you can’t pay the full fee up front, ask to pay in installments. There’s no required minimum for your first payment. The court may deny your request if the plan doesn’t seem reasonable.

Southern District of Illinois Requirements

The Southern District of Illinois has two main court locations: East St. Louis and Benton.

Each location handles cases for specific counties:

• East St. Louis Division: Calhoun, Jersey, Madison, Bond, Monroe, St. Clair, Clinton
• Benton Division: All other counties in the Southern District, including Fayette, Marion, Jefferson, Jackson, Franklin, Williamson, Union, Saline, and more

Filing Options in the Southern District of Illinois

You can only file your case in person or via mail.

In person: File your bankruptcy paperwork at the Clerk’s Office in either East St. Louis or Benton during business hours, Monday through Friday. Bring a valid photo ID. If someone else files for you, they need their ID and yours.

Via mail: Mail your signed documents and filing fee or fee waiver to the courthouse that serves your county:

• East St. Louis Division
  U.S. Bankruptcy Court
  750 Missouri Avenue
  East St. Louis, IL 62201
• Benton Division
  U.S. Bankruptcy Court
  301 W. Main Street
  Benton, IL 62812

If you don’t live near the courthouse, mail your forms. If you’re able to file in person, the clerk can check your paperwork for errors before you leave.

Payment Options in the Southern District of Illinois

Pay your $338 filing fee using a cashier’s check, money order, debit card, or cash. Make checks or money orders payable to “Clerk, U.S. Bankruptcy Court.”

The Southern District doesn’t allow bankruptcy filers to submit payments electronically. The court doesn’t accept personal checks or credit cards from people filing without a lawyer.

Illinois Bankruptcy Exemptions

When you file Chapter 7 bankruptcy, certain laws protect the things you need. These protections are called bankruptcy exemptions.

Bankruptcy exemptions help you keep your most important belongings. Examples include your home, car, or household items.

In some states, you can choose between state and federal exemptions. In Illinois, you must use the Illinois state exemptions.

Here are some key protections in Illinois:

Homestead exemption: If you own your home, protect up to $15,000 of equity if you file alone. Protect up to $30,000 if you file jointly with a spouse and you both own the home.

Motor vehicle exemption: Protect up to $2,400 of equity in one car.

Wildcard exemption: Protect up to $4,000 in personal property of your choice. Examples include cash, furniture, or electronics. You can’t use it to protect real estate.

Illinois Bankruptcy Lawyer Cost

Many people file Chapter 7 without a lawyer. Some feel better having legal support. In Illinois, bankruptcy attorneys usually charge a flat fee between $900 and $1,200 for Chapter 7 cases. The attorney fee is often the biggest cost. It can be worth it if you own a home, have a complex case, or want extra peace of mind.

Speak with a bankruptcy attorney for free to determine if Chapter 7 is right for you.

Illinois Legal Aid Organizations

Hiring a lawyer might feel out of reach. You don’t have to file on your own. You might get help from a legal aid organization in Illinois. These groups offer free or low-cost support to people with limited income. To qualify, you usually need to earn less than a certain amount each year.