The means test in Vermont: median income
The official median income for Vermont, a quick first-step check and what happens if your income is above it.
Checked against official sources: October 25, 2026.
Short answer
Official medians for Vermont from the U.S. Trustee Program. Below the median for your household size means you pass the first step.
- 1 person
- $72,461
- 2 people
- $96,963
- 3 people
- $114,075
- 4 people
- $137,583
- Each extra person
- +$11,100
- Medians apply to cases filed on or after
- April 1, 2026
Check the first step in Vermont
Official Form 122A-1 compares your household's yearly income with the median income in Vermont. Here are the official medians:
- 1 person$72,461
- 2 people$96,963
- 3 people$114,075
- 4 people$137,583
- 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
Vermont bankruptcy courts and divisions
You file in the district where you lived (your domicile) for most of the last 180 days; all of Vermont is one district, so every Vermont filer uses the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Vermont (Burlington clerk's office, hearings in Burlington or Rutland) - see https://www.vtb.uscourts.gov/court-info/court-locations.
Law: 28 U.S.C. 1408
Divisions: One district for the whole state. Clerk's office in Burlington (11 Elmwood Avenue); hearings and creditors meetings are held in Burlington or Rutland depending on whether you live in the northern or southern part of the state.
Clerk's phone: 802-657-6400
What you can keep in Vermont
In Vermont you choose state or federal exemptions (exemptions are the property the law lets you keep).
Home (homestead): up to $125,000 in value: your home, outbuildings and the land used with it, that you own and use or keep as your homestead.
Car or other vehicle: Up to $2,500 total in one or more motor vehicles.
Wildcard (any property): $400 in any property, plus up to $7,000 of the unused part of the vehicle, tools-of-trade, jewelry, household-goods and growing-crops exemptions.
In nearby states
- Massachusetts: 1 person $88,202 · 2 people $112,708 · 3 people $139,411 · 4 people $178,524
- New York: 1 person $73,272 · 2 people $92,902 · 3 people $115,579 · 4 people $139,040
- Connecticut: 1 person $84,302 · 2 people $106,224 · 3 people $134,470 · 4 people $159,934
- Rhode Island: 1 person $77,653 · 2 people $98,736 · 3 people $119,419 · 4 people $137,479
- Maine: 1 person $75,892 · 2 people $90,445 · 3 people $106,822 · 4 people $131,577
- New Jersey: 1 person $87,173 · 2 people $106,876 · 3 people $137,136 · 4 people $168,127
What to do now in Vermont
Gather your income
Use pay stubs and benefit letters for the 6 full months before you file.
Do the official first step
The court uses Official Form 122A-1.
When income is higher
The second step subtracts allowed expenses on Official Form 122A-2.
File in your court
The forms are filed with U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Vermont.
Free legal help in Vermont
Questions about the means test in Vermont
How much home equity can I keep in Vermont?
Up to $125,000 in value: your home, outbuildings and the land used with it, that you own and use or keep as your homestead (plus its rents and products).
Where do I file bankruptcy in Vermont?
You file in the district where you lived (your domicile) for most of the last 180 days; all of Vermont is one district, so every Vermont filer uses the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Vermont (Burlington clerk's office, hearings in Burlington or Rutland) - see https://www.vtb.uscourts.gov/court-info/court-locations.
What is the median income for the means test in Vermont?
For cases filed on or after April 1, 2026: 1 person: $72,461; 2 people: $96,963; 3 people: $114,075; 4 people: $137,583; Each extra person: +$11,100.
Is there free bankruptcy help in Vermont?
Legal Services Vermont and Vermont Legal Aid (VTLawHelp.org) - free advice for people with low income on whether bankruptcy is right for them and Vermont Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service.