Yes, you don’t need savings or extra cash to qualify for bankruptcy in Illinois. What you do need is a small court filing fee, and there are legal ways to handle that fee even if you’re completely tapped out right now.
The Filing Fee Isn’t as Big a Barrier as It Seems
As of 2026, the Chapter 7 filing fee is $338. That can feel impossible when you’re already behind on bills. But the bankruptcy court gives you two options if you can’t pay it all at once:
- Pay in installments. You can split the fee into up to four payments over 120 days instead of paying it upfront.
- Ask the court to waive it. If your household income falls below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines, you may qualify to have the fee waived entirely through what’s called an “in forma pauperis” request.
What About Attorney Fees?
This is often the bigger question on people’s minds, and it’s a fair one. Every situation is different, and fees depend on the complexity of your case. Tang & Associates works with clients to figure out a path that fits their financial reality, you shouldn’t rule out bankruptcy before you even know your options.
Why Having “No Money” Doesn’t Disqualify You
Bankruptcy exists specifically for people who are financially overwhelmed. The law doesn’t ask you to prove you have money, it asks you to prove your income and expenses, which is exactly how the court decides if Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 fits your situation. This is also why bankruptcy for low income households in the Chicago area is often the exact situation these fee waivers and installment options were built for.
How Tang & Associates Can Help From Here
Since 2017, Tang & Associates has worked with individuals, families, and small business owners across Cook, DuPage, Lake, Will, and Kane counties who’ve faced this exact worry; the cost of filing might be the thing standing in the way of relief. If that’s weighing on you, it’s worth talking through, not carrying alone.
Take the first step toward financial relief. Schedule an appointment or call Tang & Associates at 773-944-4000 today to talk through your options.