How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Alaska
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If you're dealing with debt that feels impossible to get out from under, Chapter 7 bankruptcy may be the fresh start you need. It can erase eligible debts like credit cards, medical bills, and payday loans — and many Alaskans file without a lawyer or any filing costs. This guide covers everything you need to know to file in Alaska.
Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer.
Updated April 7, 2026
5 Steps To File Chapter 7 in Alaska
Alaskans carry the highest average credit card debt in the U.S. — so if you're feeling overwhelmed, you're not alone. Chapter 7 bankruptcy has helped many Alaskans get a fresh start and leave credit card debt, medical bills, payday loans, and more behind. You don't need a lawyer to file successfully, and this guide is here to support you every step of the way
Step 1: See If You Qualify
Chapter 7 has income limits, but most people who need it meet them. You'll answer a few questions about your household size and income. If you use Upsolve's free tool, it just takes two minutes to see if you qualify. Start here →
If your income is below Alaska’s median for a household your size, you'll likely pass the means test and qualify to file with Upsolve.
Alaska Median Income Standards for Means Test for Cases Filed In 2026 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Household Size | Monthly Income | Annual Income |
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Step 2: Gather Your Documents
Before you file, you'll need to pull together a few key documents. One of those is a certificate from a short credit counseling course, which you'll complete online — it takes 1–2 hours and costs $10–$50 (fee waivers available).
See the full document checklist →
Step 3: Complete Your Forms and File
The forms you'll fill out are federal, so they're the same across the country — available as free fillable PDFs at uscourts.gov. Some courts require local forms. We cover those in the Local Forms/Requirements for Alaska section of this guide. If you use Upsolve, all of your forms are generated for you based on your answers, organized and ready to sign. You can file by mail, electronically, or in person at your local courthouse.
📍The Alaska Bankruptcy Court has one main filing office: U.S. Bankruptcy Court – District of Alaska 605 W. 4th Avenue, Suite 138 Anchorage, AK 99501 How filing works with Upsolve →
Filing Fee Information & Fee Waiver Eligibility
There is a $338 filing fee for Chapter 7. If you don't think you can come up with the $338 Chapter 7 filing fee, you can ask the court to waive it when you file your bankruptcy paperwork.
People whose income falls below 150% of the federal poverty level may be eligible. A bankruptcy judge will review your income and expenses and decide whether to grant the fee waiver.
Alaska Fee Waiver Eligibility for Cases Filed In 2026Eligible for fee waiver when under 150% the poverty level. | ||
|---|---|---|
| Household Size | State Poverty Level | Fee Waiver Limit (150% PL) |
| 1 | $1,662.50 | $2,493.75 |
| 2 | $2,254.17 | $3,381.25 |
| 3 | $2,845.83 | $4,268.75 |
| 4 | $3,437.50 | $5,156.25 |
| 5 | $4,029.17 | $6,043.75 |
| 6 | $4,620.83 | $6,931.25 |
| 7 | $5,212.50 | $7,818.75 |
| 8 | $5,804.17 | $8,706.25 |
| 9 | $6,395.83 | $9,593.75 |
| 10 | $6,987.50 | $10,481.25 |
If you don’t qualify for a fee waiver, you’ll need to pay the full filing fee or an installment payment (if approved) when you file your forms.
💰 You can pay in person using cash (exact change) or by cashier’s check or money order made payable to Clerk, U.S. Bankruptcy Court. If you’re using the court’s drop box or filing by mail, you must use a money order or cashier’s check.
🚫 Personal checks and credit cards aren’t accepted.
Step 4: Attend Your 341 Meeting
About a month after you file, you'll have a short meeting with your bankruptcy trustee on Zoom. It typically takes about five minutes. The trustee will verify your identity and ask a few basic questions about your paperwork. Upsolve can help you prep for your 341 meeting →
Step 5: Get Your Discharge
After your 341 meeting, you'll need to take one more short course — a debtor education course on budgeting and managing credit. Once that's done and any follow-up is resolved, the court erases your eligible debts. That's your fresh start, usually within 3–4 months of filing.
What debts does Chapter 7 discharge? →
Local Forms/Requirements for Alaska
Alaska courts follow the standard federal bankruptcy forms, but there is one local requirement to keep in mind.
Creditor matrix: A creditor matrix is a formatted list of everyone you owe money to, along with their mailing addresses — the court uses it to send official notices to your creditors. In Alaska, you must also submit a signed Verification of Creditor Matrix form along with it.
🌐 You can find Alaska's local bankruptcy rules and forms on the court's website. It's the best place to check for updates and get the documents you'll need.
Free Legal Aid in Alaska
If your case is more complex — or you'd just feel better having an attorney review it — you may be eligible for low-cost or free legal advice through legal aid such as the Alaska Legal Services Corporation.
Common Questions About Filing Bankruptcy in Alaska
