Bankruptcy Exemptions in District of Columbia
What property you can keep in bankruptcy in District of Columbia: homestead, vehicle, wildcard and retirement exemptions, and whether you can choose the federal exemptions.
Short answer: Filers may choose either the D.C. exemptions or the federal bankruptcy exemptions in 11 U.S.C. 522(d). 11 U.S.C. 522(b)(1)-(3); D.C. Code § 15-501
| State or federal exemptions | Filers may choose either the D.C. exemptions or the federal bankruptcy exemptions in 11 U.S.C. 522(d). No District of Columbia statute denying the federal exemptions was identified. Under 11 U.S.C. 522(b)(2), the federal list applies unless state law "specifically does not so authorize." Spouses filing together must both use the same system. Which state's exemptions apply depends on where the filer was domiciled for the 730 days before filing (522(b)(3)(A)). |
|---|---|
| Homestead exemption | The debtor's aggregate interest in real property used as the residence of the debtor or a dependent (or in a cooperative or burial plot), with no dollar limit stated; it does not impair a deed of trust, mortgage, mechanic's lien or tax lien. Section 15-501(a) applies to the head of a family or householder residing in D.C. (or earning most of their livelihood there). Re-verified 2026-10-27. Source: D.C. Code § 15-501(a)(14) |
| Car exemption | The debtor's interest in one motor vehicle, up to $2,575. Re-verified 2026-10-27. Source: D.C. Code § 15-501(a)(1) |
| Wildcard exemption | Any property up to $850, plus up to $8,075 of any unused amount of the residence exemption in paragraph (14). Re-verified 2026-10-27. Source: D.C. Code § 15-501(a)(3) |
| Retirement accounts | Money or assets in, or payable from, retirement plans qualified under Internal Revenue Code sections 401(a), 403(a), 403(b), 408, 408A, 414(d) or 414(e) are exempt (with exceptions, including claims of the District of Columbia and excess contributions). Payments under pension and similar plans are also exempt to the extent reasonably necessary for support. Re-verified 2026-10-27. |
| Wages | A wage attachment can reach only 25% of the amount by which weekly disposable wages exceed 40 times the D.C. minimum hourly wage. Separately, other earnings, insurance, annuity and pension payments of up to $200 a month (principal family provider) or $60 a month (others) for the two months before process are exempt. § 15-503: https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/15-503 Re-verified 2026-10-27. |
More District of Columbia bankruptcy
FAQ
Can you use the federal bankruptcy exemptions in District of Columbia?
Filers may choose either the D.C. exemptions or the federal bankruptcy exemptions in 11 U.S.C. 522(d).
How much home equity is protected in bankruptcy in District of Columbia?
The debtor's aggregate interest in real property used as the residence of the debtor or a dependent (or in a cooperative or burial plot), with no dollar limit stated; it does not impair a deed of trust, mortgage, mechanic's lien or tax lien.
Can I keep my car in bankruptcy in District of Columbia?
The debtor's interest in one motor vehicle, up to $2,575.
Does District of Columbia have a wildcard exemption?
Any property up to $850, plus up to $8,075 of any unused amount of the residence exemption in paragraph (14).
Are retirement accounts protected in bankruptcy in District of Columbia?
Money or assets in, or payable from, retirement plans qualified under Internal Revenue Code sections 401(a), 403(a), 403(b), 408, 408A, 414(d) or 414(e) are exempt (with exceptions, including claims of the District of Columbia and excess contributions). Payments under pension and similar plans are also exempt to the extent reasonably necessary for support.
Are wages protected in bankruptcy in District of Columbia?
A wage attachment can reach only 25% of the amount by which weekly disposable wages exceed 40 times the D.C. minimum hourly wage. Separately, other earnings, insurance, annuity and pension payments of up to $200 a month (principal family provider) or $60 a month (others) for the two months before process are exempt.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.