Almost all income counts for the means test, including wages, salary, bonuses, self-employment income, rental income, pension income, unemployment benefits, and regular contributions from others toward household expenses. Social Security benefits are explicitly excluded. The calculation uses your income from the 6 full calendar months before filing.
The means test uses a specific definition of income called "Current Monthly Income" (CMI) that is broader than what most people expect.
Income That Counts
- Wages, salary, tips, bonuses, overtime, commissions
- Net self-employment income (gross minus ordinary business expenses)
- Rental and real property income
- Interest, dividends, and royalties
- Pension and retirement income (but not Social Security)
- Unemployment compensation
- Workers compensation
- Annuity payments
- Regular financial contributions from anyone living in your household (e.g., non-filing spouse income, adult child paying rent)
- State disability benefits
Income That Does NOT Count
- Social Security benefits -- explicitly excluded by statute, regardless of amount
- Payments to victims of war crimes or terrorism
- Payments under the National Child Abuse Prevention Act
The 6-Month Lookback Period
The means test uses the 6 full calendar months before the month you file. If you file on March 15, the lookback period is September 1 through February 28. This matters because one-time events like a bonus, tax refund, or insurance settlement during that window can inflate your calculated income.
Non-Filing Spouse Income
If you are married and filing individually, your non-filing spouse's income is included in the initial calculation but then deducted for the portion not used for household expenses. This is handled on Form 122A-1 Supplement.