Illinois is an opt-out state, meaning you must use **Illinois**-specific exemptions when filing bankruptcy (with certain federal protections for Social Security, ERISA, etc.). Below is a **comprehensive list** of commonly used Illinois exemptions, along with statutory references. Verify amounts and details with an attorney or official statute, as laws can change or be interpreted differently.
| Asset / Type of Property | Exemption Description | Statute / Code | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homestead | Real or personal property (farm, lot, building, condo, co-op, mobile home) up to \$15,000; sale proceeds exempt for 1 year. Husband and wife may double to \$30,000 (see First Nat’l Bank v. Mohr). | 735 ILCS 5/12-901, 5/12-906; 735 ILCS 5/12-902 (after death or desertion) | After death or desertion, benefit remains for spouse/minor kids. |
| Bible, Family Pictures, Schoolbooks, Needed Clothing | Fully exempt if “necessary.” | 735 ILCS 5/12-1001(a) | |
| Health Aids | Fully exempt. | 735 ILCS 5/12-1001(e) | |
| Motor Vehicle | Equity up to \$1,200. | 735 ILCS 5/12-1001(c) | |
| Personal Injury Recoveries | Up to \$7,500. | 735 ILCS 5/12-1001(g)(4) | |
| Proceeds of Sold Exempt Property | Remain exempt if converted into proceeds. | 735 ILCS 5/12-1001 | Usually must be kept separate and used promptly. |
| Title Certificate for Boat 12 ft | Still subject to other exemptions. | 625 ILCS 45/3A-7 | |
| Wrongful Death Recoveries | Exempt to extent needed for support. | 735 ILCS 5/12-1001(h)(2) | |
| Fraternal Benefit Society Benefits | Exempt from creditors. | 215 ILCS 5/299.1a | |
| Health or Disability Benefits | Fully exempt if “benefits” needed. | 735 ILCS 5/12-1001(g)(3) | |
| Homeowners' Insurance Proceeds | Up to \$7,500 if home is destroyed. | 735 ILCS 5/12-907 | |
| Life Insurance / Annuity Proceeds / Cash Value | If beneficiary is insured’s child, parent, spouse or dependent. Also exempt if anti-creditor clause. | 215 ILCS 5/238; 735 ILCS 5/12-1001(f), (g)(3) | |
| Alimony / Child Support | Exempt if needed for support. | 735 ILCS 5/12-1001(g)(4) | |
| Property of Business Partnership | Exempt from partner’s individual creditors. | 805 ILCS 205/25 | |
| Civil Service Employees | Pension is exempt. | 40 ILCS 5/11-223 | |
| County Employees | Exempt retirement benefits. | 40 ILCS 5/9-228 | |
| Disabled Firefighters; Widows/Children | Exempt benefits. | 40 ILCS 5/22-230 | |
| ERISA-Qualified Benefits | Generally fully exempt from creditors. | 735 ILCS 5/12-1006 | |
| Firefighters | Exempt pension. | 40 ILCS 5/4-135, 5/6-213 | |
| General Assembly Members | Exempt benefits. | 40 ILCS 5/2-154 | |
| House of Correction Employees | Exempt benefits. | 40 ILCS 5/19-117 | |
| Judges | Exempt pension. | 40 ILCS 5/18-161 | |
| Municipal Employees | Exempt retirement benefits. | 40 ILCS 5/7-217(a), 5/8-224 | |
| Park Employees | Exempt pension. | 40 ILCS 5/12-190 | |
| Police Officers | Exempt retirement/pension. | 40 ILCS 5/3-144.1, 5/5-218 | |
| Public Employees | Exempt benefits (including 5/12-1006). | 735 ILCS 5/12-1006 | |
| Public Library Employees | Exempt pension. | 40 ILCS 5/19-218 | |
| Sanitation District Employees | Exempt pension. | 40 ILCS 5/13-808 | |
| State Employees | Exempt pension. | 40 ILCS 5/14-147 | |
| State University Employees | Exempt pension. | 40 ILCS 5/15-185 | |
| Teachers | Exempt pension. | 40 ILCS 5/16-190, 5/17-151 | |
| Aid to Aged, Blind, Disabled, AFDC | Fully exempt. | 305 ILCS 5/11-3 | |
| Crime Victims’ Compensation | Fully exempt. | 735 ILCS 5/12-1001(h)(1) | |
| Restitution for WWII Relocation (Aleuts, Japanese Americans) | Fully exempt. | 735 ILCS 5/12-1001(h)(5) | |
| Social Security | Fully exempt. | 735 ILCS 5/12-1001(g)(1) | |
| Unemployment Compensation | Fully exempt. | 735 ILCS 5/12-1001(g)(1), (3) | |
| Veterans’ Benefits | Fully exempt. | 735 ILCS 5/12-1001(g)(2) | |
| Workers’ Compensation | Fully exempt. | 820 ILCS 305/21 | |
| Workers’ Occupational Disease Compensation | Fully exempt. | 820 ILCS 310/21 | |
| Implements, Books, Tools of Trade | Up to \$750. | 735 ILCS 5/12-1001(d) | |
| Wages | Minimum 85% of earned but unpaid wages are exempt. Bankruptcy judge may allow more for low income. | 740 ILCS 170/4 | |
| Wildcard | \$2,000 of any personal property, including wages. | 735 ILCS 5/12-1001(b) | See In re Johnson, 57 B.R. 635 (N.D. Ill 1986). |
This list is for general informational purposes and may not reflect recent legislative updates or local court rulings. It does not constitute legal advice. Always consult a licensed Illinois bankruptcy attorney to confirm current exemption amounts and applicability to your situation.