How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Rhode Island
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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 Rhode Islanders file without a lawyer or any filing costs. This guide covers everything you need to know to file in Rhode Island.
Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer.
Updated April 15, 2026
5 Steps To File Chapter 7 in Rhode Island
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by debt, you’re not alone, and you do have options. Chapter 7 bankruptcy can wipe out many common types of debt, including credit card balances, medical bills, payday loans, and past-due utility payments.
If your case is simple, you may be able to file without a lawyer.
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.
If your income is below Rhode Island’s median for a household your size, you'll likely pass the means test and qualify to file with Upsolve.
Rhode Island 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 main forms you’ll fill out are federal forms, so they’re the same no matter where you file. You can find them as free, fillable PDFs on uscourts.gov.
If you’re filing without a lawyer, Rhode Island also requires a local form called the Certification by Pro Se Debtor. This form confirms that you understand your responsibilities as someone representing yourself.
If you use Upsolve, your forms are generated for you based on your answers and organized so they’re ready to print and sign. You can file your forms by mail, email, or in person at the courthouse.
📍The Rhode Island Bankruptcy Court has one main bankruptcy courthouse where people file: U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Rhode Island 380 Westminster Street, 6th Floor Providence, RI 02903
How filing works with Upsolve →
Filing Fee Information & Fee Waiver Eligibility
There’s a $338 filing fee for Chapter 7. If you can’t afford it, you can ask the court to waive the fee when you file your 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.
Rhode Island 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 | $1,330.00 | $1,995.00 |
| 2 | $1,803.33 | $2,705.00 |
| 3 | $2,276.67 | $3,415.00 |
| 4 | $2,750.00 | $4,125.00 |
| 5 | $3,223.33 | $4,835.00 |
| 6 | $3,696.67 | $5,545.00 |
| 7 | $4,170.00 | $6,255.00 |
| 8 | $4,643.33 | $6,965.00 |
| 9 | $5,116.67 | $7,675.00 |
| 10 | $5,590.00 | $8,385.00 |
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.
💰 There are a couple of ways to pay the $338 filing fee in Rhode Island:
Online through Pay.gov using a bank debit card or bank account
By mail with a money order or cashier’s check made payable to Clerk, U.S. Bankruptcy Court
📌 Heads up: The Rhode Island court’s payment rules don’t clearly explain whether people filing without a lawyer can pay in person, so many filers choose to pay online or by mail.
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? →
Free Legal Aid in Rhode Island
If your case is more complex — or you'd just feel better having an attorney review it — free and low-cost legal help is available across Rhode Island.
Rhode Island Legal Services, Inc. (401) 274-2652 56 Pine Street, Suite 400 Providence, RI 02903
