Apply for Help

Who is Eligible?

Access to Bankruptcy Court provides an experienced consumer bankruptcy attorney to low income individuals seeking relief under chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Code whose applications have been approved by ABC.  To qualify for an ABC attorney, applicants must have a gross household income of less than 150% of the Poverty Guidelines published annually by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

2024 Poverty Guidelines

Family Size Max. Gross Monthly Income 150% Max Annual Income 150%
1 $1,882.50 $22,590
2 $2,555 $30,660
3 $3,227.50 $38,730
4 $3,900 $46,800
5 $4,572.50 $54,870
6 $5,245 $62,940
7 $5,917.50 $71,010.00
8 $6,590 $79,080

THE PROCESS

Step 1: APPLY FOR HELP

Due to increased demand and limitation on resources, ABC is capping the number of monthly applications it accepts. Applications will open on the 1st of each month and will be accepted until the cap is reached. If you cannot submit your application, please try again on the 1st day of the following month.

Please CLICK HERE for the online form.

Please note: ABC only accepts applications submitted by online form. Paper applications are no longer accepted. 

 

Step 2: REVIEW OF APPLICATION

Your completed application will be reviewed by ABC once it is submitted to determine if you qualify for help. This process will take about thirty (30) days. You will receive a letter in the mail when your application is reviewed. If you wish to request a status of your application, you may e-mail ABCbkAssistant@gmail.com to request a status. You must wait thirty (30) days before requesting a status of your application. 

If approved, an ABC panel attorney will be assigned to you.

If not approved, you will be told why you were not approved. Most applications are denied because:

  • Your household income is too high to qualify for help from ABC;
  • You have obtained a chapter 7 discharge within the last eight (8) years;
  • Limitations on ABC’s funding.

Step 3: CONNECT

  • Connect with your ABC Panel Attorney. Once your application is approved, you will receive a letter with the contact information for your ABC panel attorney. Your ABC panel attorney will also receive your information. You need to call your assigned attorney right away. Your ABC panel attorney will discuss the details of your situation with you and will guide you through the bankruptcy process if it is determined to be the right course of action for you.