What is the difference between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy?

What is the difference between Chapter 7 and 13? Chapter 7 is liquidation: a trustee may sell non-exempt assets to pay creditors; many unsecured debts are discharged within months if you qualify under the means test. Chapter 13 is a wage earner's repayment plan lasting 3–5 years to catch up on secured debt like mortgages while keeping assets. ^[1][2] Non-dischargeable debts Child support, many taxes, and student loans (harder to discharge) survive many bankruptcies. Asset retention Chapter 13 helps if you are behind on a home and want to cure arrears. Eligibility Chapter 7 has income limits; Chapter 13 requires regular income and debt ceilings. ^[1][2]