Bonus Pay right before Discharge

[Moneypenny]

Hi,

I am at day 46 and there is a possibility I will get a one-time bonus in my monthly paycheck either on Aug 1 (3 days before likely discharge) or Sept 1.
It's possible that I might be able to control when they give it to me.

It will be about $3000.

I really need the money. Since filing I have been borrowing money from family to get by at the end of the month. I dont even know how to feed the family till the end of this month.

My question is, I would really love to try and get the bonus money on Aug 1, but I could delay until after my discharge. Does it matter? Do they check your w-2 monthly statements before discharge? I realize that in some jurisdictions, probably mine (Eastern D of CA), it is okay to get increase income after the 341, but I dont want any red flags.

Any advice?
Mine is a simple no asset ch7.


MMP

[Bell30656]

The trustee on my case explained it well to me... Chapter 7 filing is a snapshot not a movie. In other words they are looking at the status of your financial life on the day you filed. I'm sure there are a few exceptions such as winning the lottery or big inheritance.

[frogger]

Should not be any problem.

[Moneypenny]

Do you know if they check w-2 forms, income, etc. right before discharge, or is this 60 days just a waiting period where nothing happens? For that matter, what do they do, actually, between the last day for objections (day 30) and the discharge (60)?

MMP

[BKOnce]

They don't check... Too much paperwork and too many people filing... actually had overwhelmed them now.

[Moneypenny]

I am concerned because I think when it shows up in my paycheck it will look like I just got a $3000 raise. Wouldn't that be great! I would take such a raise AND pay back my debts any day.

But anyways, it looks suspicious to me so I wonder if it will look suspicious to anyone else or if there is anyone looking at all.

Mr. MP

[newbie2]

I am concerned because I think when it shows up in my paycheck it will look like I just got a $3000 raise. Wouldn't that be great! I would take such a raise AND pay back my debts any day.

But anyways, it looks suspicious to me so I wonder if it will look suspicious to anyone else or if there is anyone looking at all.

Mr. MP

You've got nothing to worry about. You filed a Chapter 7 correct? The date of filing is what is important.

[DebtHater]

As others have stated, you have little to nothing to worry about. Income is up to the date of filing with few exceptions such as an anticipated income tax return. An unexpected bonus after filing should not raise any red flags.