FEDERAL BANKRUPTCY EXEMPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE
All references are to District of Columbia Bankruptcy Code.

ASSET

EXEMPTION

LAW PROVISION

HOMESTEAD

Real property used as a residence, unlimited exemption unless the property was acquired within the previous 1,215 days, and then the homestead exemption is limited to $125,000.

INSURANCE

Disability benefits

35-522

Fraternal benefit society benefits

35-1211

Group life insurance policy or proceeds

35-523

Life insurance proceeds if clause prohibits proceeds from being used to pay beneficiary’s creditors

35-525

Life insurance proceeds or avails

35-521

Other insurance proceeds to $200 per month, maximum 2 months, for head of family; else $60 per month

15-503

MISCELLANEOUS

Property of business partnership

41-124

PENSIONS (also see wages)

Judges

11-1570(d)

Public School Teachers

31-1217; 31-1238

PERSONAL PROPERTY

Beds, bedding, radios, cooking utensils, stoves, furniture, clothing, furnishings and sewing machines to $550: $10,775 total

15-501(a)(2)

Books to $400

15-501(a)(8)

Motor Vehicle to $2,575

15-501

Cooperative association holdings to $50

29-1128

Family pictures to $400

15-501(a)(8)

Food and fuel to 3 months

15-501(a)(3), (4)

Residential condominium deposit

45-1869

PUBLIC BENEFITS

Aid to blind, aged, disabled, AFDC, general assistance

3-215.1

Crime victims’ compensation

3-407

Unemployment compensation

46-119

Workers’ compensation

36-317

TOOLS OF TRADE

Library, furniture, tools of professional or artist to $300

15-501(a)(6)

Mechanic’s tools; tools of trade or business to $2,025

15-501(a)(5), 15-503(b)

Motor vehicle, cart, wagon or dray, and horse or mule harness to $3,225

15-501(a)(7)

Seal and documents of notary public

1-806

Stock and materials to $200

15-501(a)(5)

WAGES

Minimum 75% of earned but unpaid wages, pension payments; bankruptcy judge may authorize more for low-income debtors

16-572

Non-wage (including pension) earnings for 60 days to $200 per month for head of family; else $60 per month

15-503

MISS.

Any property up to $1,075, plus up to $10,125 of any unused amount of the homestead exemption.

15-501

usiness partnership property.

33-105.41