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How Long Does Bankruptcy Chapter 13 Last?

Chapter 13 bankruptcy explained in simple words: how long it lasts, when it ends, and what you need to know about the 3–5 year plan.
When you are dealing with overwhelming debt, bankruptcy may feel like the only option. For many people, Chapter 13 bankruptcy provides a chance to reorganize debt and repay creditors over time while keeping important assets like a home or car.

But before filing, one of the most common questions people ask is: “How long does Chapter 13 last?”

The simple answer is that a Chapter 13 repayment plan usually lasts between 3 and 5 years. The exact length depends on your income, your repayment ability, and how your case moves through the court system. In this guide, we will explore the duration of Chapter 13 in detail, why some cases last three years and others five, and what situations can affect the timeline.

Person sitting with bills and calendar while lawyer explains Chapter 13 bankruptcy timeline (3–5 years).

What is the usual length of Chapter 13 bankruptcy?

id="1"Chapter 13 bankruptcy is often called a “wage earner’s plan.” Unlike Chapter 7, where assets may be sold to pay off debt, Chapter 13 allows you to keep your property while making regular payments through a court-approved plan.

The repayment period usually lasts 36 to 60 months. During this time, you send monthly payments to a bankruptcy trustee, who then distributes the money to your creditors.

For example:

  • A debtor earning below the state’s median income might only need to pay for 3 years.
  • A debtor with income above the median typically pays for 5 years.

At the end of this plan, most remaining unsecured debts, such as credit card balances or medical bills, are discharged, giving you a fresh financial start.


Why do some Chapter 13 plans last 3 years while others last 5 years? 

The length of your Chapter 13 plan is not random—it is based on income and state law.

  • 3-Year Plan (36 months): If your household income is below your state’s median income, you may qualify for a shorter plan. This is meant to help lower-income filers finish faster.
  • 5-Year Plan (60 months): If your income is above the median, you are generally required to complete a longer plan to repay more of your debts.

This rule ensures fairness: those with greater income capacity contribute more over a longer period.

Client holding early payoff document with calendar showing less than 36 months in Chapter 13 bankruptcy.

Can a Chapter 13 plan be shorter than 3 years?

Yes, but it is rare. There are a few scenarios where your plan could end early:

  • Early payoff: If you are able to pay all of your required debts before the scheduled end, your plan may be completed early.
  • Hardship discharge: If circumstances beyond your control—such as serious illness, job loss, or disability—make it impossible to continue payments, the court may allow a hardship discharge.

However, a hardship discharge is not automatic. It requires proof that you cannot continue payments and that modifying the plan would not work.


Can a Chapter 13 plan last longer than 5 years?

Under normal circumstances, no. The Bankruptcy Code sets a strict maximum limit of 60 months (5 years).

Even if you have a large amount of debt, your repayment plan cannot go beyond this timeframe. The law was designed this way so debtors are not stuck in repayment forever.

The only exception happened during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, Congress temporarily allowed some Chapter 13 plans to extend up to 7 years for those facing pandemic-related hardships. However, this rule has expired, and today the maximum is once again 5 years.


How does income affect the length of a Chapter 13 case?

Income is the biggest factor in determining how long your plan will last. Here’s how it works:

  • If your income is below the state median, you can usually qualify for a 3-year plan.
  • If your income is above the median, you are expected to commit to a 5-year plan.
  • However, if your financial situation changes during the plan (for example, you lose your job or your income decreases), you can request the court to modify your repayment schedule.

On the other hand, if you earn extra money and want to pay off your plan sooner, you may do so—though you must first check whether your repayment obligations are fully satisfied.


What happens if I miss payments during Chapter 13?

Consistency is key in Chapter 13 bankruptcy. If you fall behind on payments, several things can happen:

  • The bankruptcy trustee may file a motion to dismiss your case.
  • You may be able to modify your repayment plan to lower payments.
  • In some cases, you can ask for a temporary suspension of payments if you are facing a short-term hardship.

For example, if someone loses their job and misses two months of payments, the trustee may allow a modified plan instead of dismissing the case. However, if payments are missed for too long, the case may fail, and creditors can resume collection efforts.

Smiling client receiving discharge order from judge after completing Chapter 13 repayment plan.

When does Chapter 13 officially end?

A Chapter 13 bankruptcy officially ends when:

  • You complete all of your scheduled payments under the repayment plan, and
  • The court grants you a discharge order, wiping out your remaining eligible debts.

This typically happens at the 3-year or 5-year mark. At that point, you are no longer required to make payments, and creditors cannot collect discharged debts.


How soon do payments begin after filing Chapter 13?

Payments begin quickly. Within 30 days of filing your bankruptcy petition, you must start making payments to your trustee.

This rule applies even before your repayment plan is officially confirmed by the court. If you fail to start on time, your case could be dismissed.


What factors can delay or lengthen a Chapter 13 case?

While the legal maximum is 5 years, certain issues can make the process feel longer or more complicated:

  • Missed payments leading to plan modifications.
  • Court objections from creditors or the trustee.
  • Unexpected life events like medical emergencies or job loss.
  • Filing additional motions, such as protecting certain property.

Although these situations may cause delays, they do not extend your plan beyond 5 years. Instead, they can add stress or require you to adjust your repayment strategy.


How long does Chapter 13 stay on a credit report?

Even after your repayment plan ends, Chapter 13 bankruptcy will appear on your credit report for 7 years from the filing date.

This does not mean you cannot rebuild credit during this time. Many people start improving their credit within a year or two by paying bills on time, keeping balances low, and using secured credit cards. Over time, your credit score can improve significantly, even while the bankruptcy record is still visible.


Conclusion

So, how long does Chapter 13 bankruptcy last? For most people, the answer is between 3 and 5 years, depending on income and repayment obligations. While that may sound like a long time, completing the plan provides valuable benefits: protection from creditors, a structured repayment schedule, and the chance to start fresh once your debts are discharged.

Every bankruptcy case is unique. If you are thinking about filing, speaking with a qualified bankruptcy attorney can help you understand exactly how long your Chapter 13 plan might last and what steps you need to take to succeed.


Legal Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Bankruptcy laws vary by state, and each person’s situation is different. Always consult with a licensed bankruptcy attorney before making financial or legal decisions.