DC Bankruptcy Filing Fees and Fee Waivers for Low-Income Filers

One of the first questions prospective bankruptcy filers ask is how much it costs. The filing fee is a real barrier for people who are already in financial distress -- which is why Congress established installment payment options and fee waivers for qualifying individuals. If you are considering bankruptcy in the District of Columbia, here is a complete breakdown of the fees, payment options, and waiver eligibility.

Current Filing Fees

The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Columbia charges the following filing fees, which are set by the Judicial Conference of the United States and are uniform across all federal bankruptcy courts:

• Chapter 7: $338
• Chapter 13: $313

These fees are due at the time of filing unless you obtain court approval for an installment payment plan or a fee waiver. The fees cover the filing of the petition and all related schedules, statements, and the administration of the case. There are no additional court fees for routine filings during the case.

Installment Payments

If you cannot pay the full filing fee at the time of filing, you can request permission to pay in installments using Official Form 103A (Application to Pay the Filing Fee in Installments). This option is available for both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 cases.

Key rules for installment payments:

• Maximum of four installments. The court will set a payment schedule, typically requiring the first installment at filing and the remaining payments at roughly 30-day intervals.
• Full payment within 120 days. All installments must be paid within 120 days of filing, unless the court extends the deadline to 180 days for cause shown.
• No payment to an attorney first. The application includes a certification that you have not paid or agreed to pay any money to an attorney or other person for services in connection with the case -- except as disclosed in the application. If you paid an attorney, the court may question why you cannot also pay the filing fee.
• Consequences of non-payment. If you fail to make an installment payment on time, the court may dismiss your case. Dismissal for failure to pay fees can create complications for future filings, including limitations on the automatic stay.

The installment option is widely used and routinely approved. Most judges in the DC bankruptcy court grant these applications as a matter of course.

Fee Waivers for Chapter 7

Congress created a fee waiver for Chapter 7 filers whose income falls below 150 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. The application is Official Form 103B (Application to Have the Chapter 7 Filing Fee Waived).

To qualify, you must demonstrate:

• Income below 150 percent of poverty guidelines. For a single individual in 2025, 150 percent of the federal poverty level is approximately $22,590 per year ($1,882.50 per month). For a family of four, the threshold is approximately $46,350 per year. These figures are updated annually.
• Inability to pay in installments. You must show that even the installment option would impose an undue hardship.
• No one is paying the filing fee on your behalf. The application requires disclosure of any third-party assistance.

The court reviews the application and may hold a hearing if the information is incomplete or raises questions. If granted, the filing fee is waived entirely -- you pay nothing.

Important limitations:

• Fee waivers are only available in Chapter 7. Congress did not authorize fee waivers for Chapter 13 cases. If you file Chapter 13, you must pay the $313 fee, either upfront or through installments. In practice, Chapter 13 filers typically pay the filing fee through their repayment plan.
• The waiver is discretionary. The court can deny the application if it determines that your income or financial circumstances do not support a waiver, even if you technically fall below the income threshold.

Credit Counseling and Debtor Education Costs

Beyond the filing fee, bankruptcy law requires two educational courses:

Pre-filing credit counseling (11 U.S.C. Section 109(h)). You must complete a credit counseling session with an approved agency within 180 days before filing. The certificate of completion must be filed with the court. Costs typically range from $10 to $50, depending on the provider. Many approved agencies offer the course online, by phone, or in person. Fee waivers are available from some providers for individuals who cannot afford the cost.

Post-filing debtor education (11 U.S.C. Section 727(a)(11) for Chapter 7, Section 1328(g) for Chapter 13). After filing, you must complete a financial management course (also called debtor education) before your discharge can be entered. Costs are similar -- $10 to $50. The course covers budgeting, money management, and responsible use of credit.

A list of approved credit counseling and debtor education providers is available on the U.S. Trustee's website (justice.gov/ust). When selecting a provider, confirm that it is approved for the District of Columbia.

Attorney Fees in DC Bankruptcy Cases

The filing fee and course costs are relatively modest. Attorney fees represent the larger financial commitment.

Chapter 7 attorney fees in DC generally range from $1,500 to $3,000 for a straightforward consumer case with no adversary proceedings or contested matters. Complex cases -- those involving business assets, significant non-exempt property, or dischargeability challenges -- can cost more.

Chapter 13 attorney fees in DC are typically higher, reflecting the longer duration and greater complexity of the case. Fees generally range from $3,500 to $5,500. In Chapter 13, the court must approve the attorney's fee, and a significant portion is usually paid through the repayment plan rather than upfront. This means you may need to pay only a small retainer before filing, with the remainder paid over the life of the plan.

Some attorneys offer flat-fee arrangements that include the filing fee and course costs. Others charge separately for each component. When evaluating fee quotes, ask what is included and whether the fee covers all routine work through discharge.

Total Cost Summary

Here is what a typical DC bankruptcy filing costs:

Chapter 7 (with attorney):

• Filing fee: $338 (or $0 with fee waiver)
• Credit counseling: $10-$50
• Debtor education: $10-$50
• Attorney fee: $1,500-$3,000
• Total: approximately $1,860-$3,440

Chapter 7 (pro se / self-represented):

• Filing fee: $338 (or $0 with fee waiver)
• Credit counseling: $10-$50
• Debtor education: $10-$50
• Total: approximately $358-$438 (or $20-$100 with fee waiver)

Chapter 13 (with attorney):

• Filing fee: $313
• Credit counseling: $10-$50
• Debtor education: $10-$50
• Attorney fee: $3,500-$5,500
• Total: approximately $3,833-$5,913 (most paid through the plan)

Filing Pro Se

Some filers choose to represent themselves to avoid attorney fees. While this is permitted, bankruptcy is a technical area of law with strict procedural requirements. Errors in schedules, missed deadlines, or failure to claim proper exemptions can result in loss of property, denial of discharge, or dismissal.

The DC bankruptcy court's clerk's office can provide procedural guidance but cannot give legal advice. Pro se filers should at minimum consult with a bankruptcy attorney before filing -- even a single consultation can identify issues that would otherwise go unnoticed.

When Cost Should Not Delay Filing

If aggressive collection actions are underway -- wage garnishment, bank levies, lawsuits -- the cost of filing is almost always far less than the cost of continued inaction. A $338 filing fee (or $0 with a waiver) buys immediate protection through the automatic stay.

If cost is the only barrier, explore fee waivers, installment payments, and attorneys who accept payment plans. Financial distress is the very reason the bankruptcy system exists -- the system should not be inaccessible to those who need it most.