When Should I Take the Debtor Education Course?
Take the debtor education course as soon as possible after your bankruptcy case is filed. You cannot take it before your case is filed — you need your bankruptcy case number to enroll. Waiting too long risks missing your court deadline.
Chapter 7 Filers
Your completion certificate must be filed with the court within 60 days after the date first set for your 341 meeting of creditors (also called the meeting of creditors). File it as soon as you receive it — do not wait until the deadline.
Chapter 13 Filers
Your completion certificate must be filed with the court before you make your final plan payment. Confirm your exact deadline with your attorney or the bankruptcy court.
The Right Window
Too early: You cannot enroll before your case is filed — you do not yet have a case number
Right time: Enroll as soon as your case is filed and you have your case number; complete and file the certificate well before your deadline
Too late: Missing the filing deadline can result in your case being closed without a discharge
Quick Facts
Detail | Information |
Earliest you can enroll | After your bankruptcy case is filed |
Requirement to enroll | Bankruptcy case number and court district |
Chapter 7 deadline | Within 60 days of the date first set for the 341 meeting |
Chapter 13 deadline | Before the final plan payment |
Confirm deadlines with | Your attorney or the bankruptcy court |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the course before I file? No. You must have a bankruptcy case number to enroll, which means your case must already be filed. The pre-filing credit counseling course (Course 1) is the requirement taken before filing.
How do I find my case number? Your case number appears on all court paperwork you received after filing. Your attorney also has it. If you filed pro se, the court clerk provided it when your petition was accepted.
What happens if I miss the deadline? If you miss the deadline to file your certificate, the court may close your case without issuing a discharge. You would then need to pay a filing fee to reopen the case. Let us know right away if you are approaching a deadline and we can help you get the course completed quickly.