The means test in Michigan: median income

The Michigan median income table and the first step of the means test.

Checked against official sources: October 25, 2026.

Short answer

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

1 person
$67,352
2 people
$83,432
3 people
$103,449
4 people
$123,010
Each extra person
+$11,100
Medians apply to cases filed on or after
April 1, 2026

Check the first step in Michigan

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

  • 1 person$67,352
  • 2 people$83,432
  • 3 people$103,449
  • 4 people$123,010
  • 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

Michigan bankruptcy courts and divisions

You file in the federal bankruptcy district where you lived (your domicile) for most of the 180 days before you file. Michigan has two districts, Eastern and Western. Each court's locations page lists the counties served by each office: Eastern https://www.mieb.uscourts.gov/court-locations; Western https://www.miwb.uscourts.gov/court-info/court-locations

Law: 28 U.S.C. 1408

U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Michigan

Divisions: Detroit, Flint, Bay City

Clerk's phone: Detroit (313) 234-0065; Flint (810) 235-4126; Bay City (989) 894-8840

Court's self-help page

U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Michigan

Divisions: Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Traverse City, Marquette

Clerk's phone: 616-456-2693

Court's self-help page

Michigan exemptions in brief

In Michigan you choose state or federal exemptions (exemptions are the property the law lets you keep).

Home (homestead): $51,150 in equity, or $76,725 if you or a dependent is 65 or older or disabled (cases filed on or after April 1, 2026).

Car or other vehicle: $4,725 in one motor vehicle (cases filed on or after April 1, 2026).

Exemptions in Michigan

In nearby states

  • Wisconsin: 1 person $71,168 · 2 people $90,252 · 3 people $108,516 · 4 people $133,384
  • Ohio: 1 person $66,239 · 2 people $83,725 · 3 people $102,504 · 4 people $123,702
  • Indiana: 1 person $64,461 · 2 people $81,986 · 3 people $95,627 · 4 people $115,656
  • Illinois: 1 person $73,180 · 2 people $93,934 · 3 people $113,625 · 4 people $137,902
  • Iowa: 1 person $67,617 · 2 people $88,800 · 3 people $104,133 · 4 people $126,058
  • Pennsylvania: 1 person $72,230 · 2 people $87,534 · 3 people $110,151 · 4 people $135,862

Steps for the means test in Michigan

  1. Total your income

    Use pay stubs and benefit letters for the 6 full months before you file.

  2. Start with Form 122A-1

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

  3. Above the median?

    Next comes the expense calculation on Official Form 122A-2.

  4. Where the forms go

    The forms are filed with Eastern District and Western District.

Where to get free help in Michigan

Questions about the means test in Michigan

How much home equity can I keep in Michigan?

$51,150 in equity, or $76,725 if you or a dependent is 65 or older or disabled (cases filed on or after April 1, 2026).

Where do I file bankruptcy in Michigan?

You file in the federal bankruptcy district where you lived (your domicile) for most of the 180 days before you file. Michigan has two districts, Eastern and Western. Each court's locations page lists the counties served by each office: Eastern https://www.mieb.uscourts.gov/court-locations; Western https://www.miwb.uscourts.gov/court-info/court-locations

What income passes the means test in Michigan?

For cases filed on or after April 1, 2026: 1 person: $67,352; 2 people: $83,432; 3 people: $103,449; 4 people: $123,010; Each extra person: +$11,100.

Is there free bankruptcy help in Michigan?

Michigan Legal Help (statewide self-help and legal aid finder), Eastern District bankruptcy court: Finding an Attorney and Legal Aid (lists local legal aid offices and bar referral services) and Eastern District bankruptcy court Pro Bono Program (for adversary proceedings about discharge).

Related Michigan pages