MasConcepts Incorporated

I’m in Florida, household of 1, and I recently failed the Chapter 7 means test by about $2,779. I am paralyzed by stress and just need some type of hope or support.

A big issue is that I received around $7,000 in deferred pay from my school job in June. It wasn’t a bonus or extra income. It was money withheld from my regular checks during the school year and paid out later. I was told it still has to be counted as income for the means test.

I’m also considering Chapter 13, but I’m worried the payment will still be more than I can realistically afford. I also need to replace my paid-off car soon because it’s having major engine/oil issues.

I’m already meeting with a bankruptcy attorney again, so I’m not looking for legal advice as a substitute for that. Just hoping to hear other people’s experiences and what questions I should make sure I ask.

I’m just feeling pretty stuck and trying not to make a decision that leaves me even more financially strained. I have a bunch of overdue bills and my phone is being bombarded with a bunch of emails and calls about it.

TLDR: Failed Chapter 7 means test partly because ~$7k deferred school pay counted as income. Wondering if waiting for it to drop out of the 6-month lookback could help me qualify.