If you decide to file bankruptcy you will have to decide what type to apply for. In the United States there are 6 different types of bankruptcy. Some are directed to handle the needs of an individual. Others are for groups, institutions or businesses. Some bankruptcy types apply to both the individual and the larger entities. The 6 types of bankruptcy or insolvency are: Chapter 7, Chapter 9, Chapter 11, Chapter 12, Chapter 13 and Chapter 15.Of these 6 types of bankruptcy, the individual is more likely to file bankruptcy under Chapter 7 or Chapter 13. Under the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection, you have to meet certain criteria to file bankruptcy under specific Chapters. You can only apply for 12 if you are a family farmer or a fisherperson. Chapter 9 handles the bankruptcies of municipalities. If you want to apply for Chapter 13, you must have a regular income and have only a certain level of debt. If you wish to file bankruptcy under Chapter 7 you will have to take a means test.