The means test in Alabama: median income

The official median income for Alabama, a quick first-step check and what happens if your income is above it.

Checked against official sources: October 25, 2026.

Short answer

The U.S. Trustee Program publishes these medians for Alabama. Income below the median for your household size passes the first step.

1 person
$64,321
2 people
$77,451
3 people
$92,698
4 people
$106,740
Each extra person
+$11,100
Medians apply to cases filed on or after
April 1, 2026

Are you below the Alabama median?

Official Form 122A-1 compares your household's yearly income with the median income in Alabama. Here are the official medians:

  • 1 person$64,321
  • 2 people$77,451
  • 3 people$92,698
  • 4 people$106,740
  • Each extra person+$11,100

Applies to cases filed on or after April 1, 2026. 1 = one earner; 2, 3, 4 = people in the household; add = amount added for each person over 4

The numbers are worked out in your browser. Nothing you enter here is saved or sent.

Before taxes. Add up all income for the last 6 months and divide by 6.

Enter your household size and income

Which court you file in, in Alabama

You file in the federal bankruptcy district where you lived (your domicile) for most of the 180 days before filing. Alabama has three districts (Northern, Middle, Southern), split by county. Check your county on the court pages: Northern https://www.alnb.uscourts.gov/court-info/court-locations, Middle https://www.almb.uscourts.gov/ (division pages), Southern https://www.alsb.uscourts.gov/counties-southern-district.

Law: 28 U.S.C. 1408

U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Alabama

Divisions: Birmingham (Southern Division), Tuscaloosa (Western), Anniston (Eastern), Huntsville (Northern)

Clerk's phone: (205) 714-4000 (Birmingham)

Court's self-help page

U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Alabama

Divisions: Montgomery (Northern Division), Dothan (Southern), Opelika (Eastern)

Clerk's phone: (334) 954-3800

Court's self-help page

U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Alabama

Divisions: Mobile (clerk's office); Selma (hearings only)

Clerk's phone: (251) 441-5391

What you can keep in Alabama

In Alabama you use state exemptions only (exemptions are the property the law lets you keep).

Home (homestead): $18,800 of home value per owner, on up to 160 acres.

Car or other vehicle: No separate vehicle exemption. You can use the $9,400 personal property exemption for a car.

Wildcard (any property): The $9,400 personal property exemption works like a wildcard: you pick which personal property it covers.

Exemptions in Alabama

In nearby states

  • Mississippi: 1 person $53,978 · 2 people $70,328 · 3 people $82,846 · 4 people $97,464
  • Georgia: 1 person $68,478 · 2 people $84,965 · 3 people $101,479 · 4 people $123,481
  • Tennessee: 1 person $63,979 · 2 people $82,846 · 3 people $97,511 · 4 people $109,585
  • Louisiana: 1 person $59,447 · 2 people $72,348 · 3 people $84,602 · 4 people $103,628
  • Kentucky: 1 person $61,652 · 2 people $73,892 · 3 people $85,212 · 4 people $109,443
  • South Carolina: 1 person $64,808 · 2 people $83,761 · 3 people $95,672 · 4 people $116,314

What to do now in Alabama

  1. Total your income

    Add every source of household income for the last 6 months.

  2. Start with Form 122A-1

    Your income is figured on Official Form 122A-1.

  3. If you are above the median

    You continue with Official Form 122A-2.

  4. File in your court

    The forms are filed with Northern District, Middle District and Southern District.

Where to get free help in Alabama

Questions about the means test in Alabama

Can I keep my house in bankruptcy in Alabama?

$18,800 of home value per owner, on up to 160 acres. $56,400 if you are 62 or older or have a disability (since June 1, 2026).

How do I find my bankruptcy court in Alabama?

You file in the federal bankruptcy district where you lived (your domicile) for most of the 180 days before filing. Alabama has three districts (Northern, Middle, Southern), split by county. Check your county on the court pages: Northern https://www.alnb.uscourts.gov/court-info/court-locations, Middle https://www.almb.uscourts.gov/ (division pages), Southern https://www.alsb.uscourts.gov/counties-southern-district.

What is the median income for the means test in Alabama?

For cases filed on or after April 1, 2026: 1 person: $64,321; 2 people: $77,451; 3 people: $92,698; 4 people: $106,740; Each extra person: +$11,100.

Who helps with bankruptcy for free in Alabama?

Legal Services Alabama and Alabama State Bar - Get Legal Help.

Related Alabama pages