Means Test and Schedule to Determine DMI

[salsa]

So what exactly does the means test do? Then how is that used in the schedule to determine DMI? For instance if the means test says I have $500 left each month, is that the minimum I need to pay each month? Or are actual expenses used to figure DMI?

[lillymarlene]

Others with more experience will probably have more ideas, but I believe the means test is basically used to see if you qualify for a chapter 7. What is left over after paying your allowable monthly expenses is your DMI.