The means test measures whether a debtor is qualified for Chapter 7 bankruptcy relief under new federal bankruptcy laws. Using the means test, you compare your household income to that of the median household income of a family of your size, living in your state. If your household income falls above that threshold, then a complicated formula is used to assess whether you have sufficient assets to repay at least a portion of your debts. Therefore, each state will necessarily have a different means test. If you pass the means test, you will qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy relief. If you are not eligible for Chapter 7, however, you still may be able to file Chapter 13 bankruptcy, which permits you to repay your debts over a three to five year period. At the end of your plan, assuming that you have complied with its provisions, remaining debts are discharged.