Chicago Bankruptcy Statistics -- Chapter 13 Dismissal Data

High Volume, High Dismissal Rates

The Northern District of Illinois processes more Chapter 13 cases than almost any other district in the country. Key figures from 2008--2024:

• 238,789 cases filed over 17 years
• 137,366 dismissed -- a 28.3% discharge rate overall
• 67,571 discharges granted during this period
• 38.4% prior filer rate -- nearly 4 in 10 filers had a prior bankruptcy filing
• 7,607 estimated 1328(f) violations -- cases where statutory time bars may have applied

Year-Over-Year Trend

From 2008 to 2020, the dismissal rate fluctuated between 56% and 72%. Preliminary data for recent years shows notably higher rates:

• 2020: 60.4% -- within historical norms
• 2022: 82.3% -- a significant increase
• 2023: 91.1% -- among the highest preliminary rates in the database
• 2024: 94.1% -- very few cases have reached discharge so far (preliminary data)

This increase from the 60s to the 90s in the preliminary data mirrors patterns observed in other high-dismissal districts such as EDNY and NDGA.

38.4% of NDIL filers have filed before. The prior filer rate peaked at 48.3% in 2020 -- meaning nearly half the docket consisted of repeat filers. A common pattern emerges:

• Consumer files Chapter 13
• Case is dismissed after months or years
• Consumer's financial situation has not improved
• Consumer files again -- now as a "prior filer"
• Pattern may repeat, sometimes with the same attorney

An estimated 7,607 of these repeat filings may have been subject to 1328(f) time bars -- meaning discharge eligibility may not have been present at the time of filing.