File Bankruptcy for Free in Pennsylvania: Complete 2025 Guide
Filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Pennsylvania can eliminate credit card debt, medical bills, and payday loans without hiring a lawyer. You'll need to complete required courses, gather financial documents, and submit forms to your local bankruptcy court. With the automatic stay stopping collections immediately and exemptions protecting essential property, you can achieve a fresh financial start.
Get Free ConsultationFeeling overwhelmed by debt? You’re not alone. Filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy can give you a fresh start by eliminating credit card debt, medical bills, and payday loans.
The best part? You don’t need a lawyer to file Chapter 7. Many people successfully file on their own.
Qualify for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in Pennsylvania?
Find out if you qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy and get your debt eliminated. Speak with a bankruptcy attorney for free to explore your options and start your fresh financial start today.
Check Eligibility NowThis guide walks you through the process step by step. You’ll learn how to gather documents, take required courses, and submit your forms to the court.
If you have a simple case, you can get started right away. Speak with a bankruptcy attorney for free to explore your options and get the debt relief you need.
10 Steps to File Bankruptcy in Pennsylvania
1. Collect Your Pennsylvania Bankruptcy Documents
You’ll need to gather key financial documents before filing. These are required for all Chapter 7 bankruptcy cases:
- Paycheck stubs for the past 60 days
- Federal tax returns from the past two years
- Bank account statement covering your filing date
These documents help the court verify your monthly income and financial information.
Additional helpful documents include:
- Bank statements from the past 6-12 months
- Bills from creditors and collection letters
- Loan documents for personal loans, student loans, and car loans
- A recent credit report
You’re entitled to a free credit report every week from each major credit bureau. Access your reports through AnnualCreditReport.com.
2. Take a Credit Counseling Course
Before filing, you must complete a credit counseling course. Federal law requires this for all bankruptcy filers.
The course helps you understand your debt relief options. You can make an informed decision about bankruptcy.
Course requirements:
- Take it within 180 days before you file
- Use a provider approved for Pennsylvania
- Submit your certificate with your bankruptcy paperwork
Key details:
- Costs less than $50
- Fee waivers available if you can’t afford it
- Available online, by phone, or in person
- Search the U.S. Trustee’s official list for approved providers
3. Complete the Bankruptcy Forms
Filing bankruptcy requires filling out several forms. Your gathered documents will help you complete them.
You’ll provide details about your income, expenses, debts, and personal property.
You can download all forms for free as fillable PDFs from USCourts.gov. Each form includes detailed instructions.
Working with a bankruptcy attorney means they’ll complete the forms for you. They’ll ask questions and collect documents to ensure accuracy.
4. Get Your Filing Fee
Filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy costs $338.
Pay with a cashier’s check or money order made payable to “Clerk, U.S. Bankruptcy Court.” Personal checks, credit cards, and cash aren’t usually accepted.
If your income is low, you may qualify for a fee waiver. Check the table below for Pennsylvania’s income limits.
Can’t pay the full fee upfront? Apply to pay in smaller monthly installments. Make each payment on time or the court may dismiss your case.
When you file, the automatic stay goes into effect immediately. This legal protection stops debt collectors, wage garnishments, foreclosure sales, repossessions, and collection calls.
5. Print Your Bankruptcy Forms
Once your forms are complete, print and sign them. Follow court requirements carefully:
- Use letter-size paper (8.5″ x 11″)
- Print single-sided only
- Use black ink only
- Don’t staple, bind, or hole punch your forms
Sign anywhere a signature is needed. Make a full copy for your records and keep it safe.
The court provides a document checklist to ensure you’ve printed everything.
6. File Your Forms With the Pennsylvania Bankruptcy Court
Pennsylvania has three federal bankruptcy districts:
- Western District
- Middle District
- Eastern District
You’ll file at the courthouse serving your county.
If you live in the Middle or Western District, you can file electronically. This is convenient and doesn’t require a courthouse visit.
All districts accept in-person filing and filing by mail.
Filing in person? The clerk can verify your packet and tell you if anything’s missing.
7. Mail Documents to Your Trustee
After filing, the court assigns a bankruptcy trustee to your case. The trustee reviews your paperwork and ensures compliance with bankruptcy law.
You’ll receive a notice with your trustee’s name and contact information. The trustee may request additional documents.
At least seven days before your 341 meeting, send your trustee:
- Your two most recent federal tax returns
- A bank statement covering your filing date
Send any additional requested documents on time to avoid delays.
8. Take a Debtor Education Course
You must complete a second course called debtor education. This financial management course covers basic money skills.
Take it before or after your 341 meeting. Deadline: You must finish within 60 days after your 341 meeting and file your certificate with the court.
Missing the deadline may cause the court to close your case without erasing your debts.
Course details:
- Costs $10-$50, fee waivers available
- Use an approved provider for Pennsylvania
- Available online or in person
- Takes 1-2 hours to complete
9. Attend Your 341 Meeting
About a month after filing, you’ll attend a 341 meeting of creditors. Many meetings are held virtually. In-person meetings aren’t in courtrooms.
You’ll get a court notice with the date, time, and location.
During the meeting, your trustee places you under oath. They’ll ask questions to confirm information in your bankruptcy forms.
Bring these items:
- Government-issued photo ID
- Proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or recent pay stub)
Forgetting these items means your meeting can’t happen. It may be rescheduled.
Most 341 meetings are quick and straightforward. You’re well on your way to finishing the process.
10. Deal With Your Car
Many people worry about keeping their car during Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Whether you keep it depends on several factors.
If you own your car outright: You can usually keep it if its value is less than or equal to the bankruptcy exemption.
Bankruptcy exemptions are legal protections for certain property like your car or home.
If you’re making car payments: You can surrender the car and eliminate the loan debt, or keep it by reaffirming the loan or redeeming it.
- Surrendering works well if you owe more than the car’s worth or can’t afford payments. The loan balance is wiped out.
- Reaffirming the loan means you keep the car and continue making payments. Good option if you’re current on payments and confident you can continue.
- Redeeming the car requires paying its current value in one lump sum. You own the car free and clear. Good option if the car is worth less than what you owe and you have lump sum access.
Pennsylvania Bankruptcy Means Test
Eligibility for Chapter 7 bankruptcy depends on your income. The means test measures this.
You compare your income to the median income for your household size in Pennsylvania. Income below that amount? You automatically pass and qualify for Chapter 7.
If your income is higher, don’t panic. A second step considers your monthly expenses. The test calculates disposable income after covering rent, utilities, groceries, and necessary costs.
Low disposable income means you may still qualify for Chapter 7. High disposable income may require Chapter 13 bankruptcy instead. Chapter 13 requires a 3-5 year repayment plan.
Pennsylvania Median Income Levels
Compare your household income to these 2025 median income standards. Income below these amounts means you automatically qualify for Chapter 7.
Pennsylvania Fee Waiver Eligibility
You qualify for a filing fee waiver when your income is under 150% of the poverty level.
| Household Size | State Poverty Level | Fee Waiver Limit (150% PL) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,255.00 | $1,882.50 |
| 2 | $1,703.33 | $2,555.00 |
| 3 | $2,151.67 | $3,227.50 |
| 4 | $2,600.00 | $3,900.00 |
| 5 | $3,048.33 | $4,572.50 |
| 6 | $3,496.67 | $5,245.00 |
| 7 | $3,945.00 | $5,917.50 |
| 8 | $4,393.33 | $6,590.00 |
Pennsylvania Districts & Filing Requirements
Pennsylvania has three federal bankruptcy districts: Western, Middle, and Eastern.
You’ll file at the courthouse serving your county. Each district has specific rules.
Eastern District of Pennsylvania Requirements
The Eastern District has two courthouse locations: Philadelphia and Reading.
- Bucks, Montgomery, Delaware, Philadelphia, or Chester counties: file in Philadelphia
- Berks, Lehigh, Northampton, or Lancaster counties: file in Reading
No additional local forms required. The district has specific creditor matrix formatting rules.
Pay the filing fee by cash (exact amount) or money order payable to “CLERK, U.S. BANKRUPTCY COURT.” Don’t mail cash.
Middle District of Pennsylvania Requirements
The Middle District has three divisions: Wilkes-Barre, Harrisburg, and Williamsport. It serves numerous counties.
Pro se filers can use the Electronic Document Submission System (EDSS) to submit forms online. You can still mail or hand-deliver if preferred.
The district provides:
- Online tool and instructions for creditor matrix formatting
- Free Self Help Program for people filing without a lawyer
Pay the filing fee in person, via mail, or through Pay.gov online. Accepts cashier’s checks and money orders payable to “Clerk, United States Court.” Online payments accept debit cards or ACH. No cash, personal checks, or credit cards for pro se filers.
Western District of Pennsylvania Requirements
The Western District has three divisions: Pittsburgh, Erie, and Johnstown.
File your bankruptcy petition:
- Online using Electronic Document Submission System (EDSS)
- In person at the courthouse serving your county
- Via mail
Pay the filing fee in person or via mail. Accepts money orders, cashier’s checks, or cash in exact amount.
Pennsylvania Bankruptcy Exemptions
Exemptions help protect certain property from being taken to pay debts. Protected items include clothing, household appliances, and potentially your home or car.
Some income types like child support, alimony, and certain retirement benefits are protected.
You can choose between federal exemptions and Pennsylvania’s state exemptions. Pennsylvania lets you choose whichever set works best.
Pennsylvania’s state exemptions are more limited than federal exemptions. The state list doesn’t include specific protections for your car or home equity.
Federal exemptions may give you more coverage:
- Federal homestead exemption: protects up to $31,575 of equity in your home
- Federal motor vehicle exemption: protects up to $5,025 in equity in your car
You can only choose one set of exemptions. Compare them carefully before deciding.
Pennsylvania Bankruptcy Lawyer Cost
You don’t need a lawyer to file Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Some people feel more confident with legal support, especially for complex cases.
In Pennsylvania, bankruptcy attorneys typically charge between $995 and $1,450 for Chapter 7. Cost depends on your location, financial complexity, and attorney experience.
Pennsylvania Legal Aid Organizations
Need help filing your case? You may get free or low-cost support from a legal aid organization.
These nonprofits help people with limited income handle civil legal issues, including Chapter 7 bankruptcy. If you qualify, legal aid connects you with an attorney to guide you through the process.