Under Chapter 13, unlike Chapter 7, debtors endeavor to pay back at least part of their delinquent debts under a court-approved plan.   The debtor is usually not discharged until the end of the payment plan, three-five years later.  Chapter 13 Plans are based on budgets that leave the the Debtor with only enough money to pay for essentials set out in the budget.  All money received by debtor in excess of the Plan, including tax refunds, must be directed to the bankruptcy court for payment to creditors.  Debtors who may prefer to go the Chapter 7 route which allows discharge usually in about 90 days, would have to show the court that their income is below the medium family income in their district.  In other words, debtors must pass a family income “means test” in order to qualify for Chapter 7.    Unlike Chapter 7, Co-debtors (such as co-signers), under Chapter 13 only, get practically the same  protection of  a stay (halting of collection activity) as the principal debtor.  Businesses are not eligible for protection under Chapter 13, but are eligible under Chapter 7.