Missouri Bankruptcy Exemptions

Missouri is an opt-out state, so most filers use **Missouri**-specific exemptions in bankruptcy. Certain federal protections (e.g., Social Security, ERISA retirement plans) may still apply. Below is an overview of common **Missouri** exemptions, with references to the **Missouri Revised Statutes**. Always consult a licensed Missouri attorney or the **official code** for the latest amounts and interpretations.

Asset / Type of PropertyExemption DescriptionStatute / CodeNotes
HomesteadReal property up to \$8,000 equity or mobile home up to \$1,000 (joint owners may not double). TBE (tenancy by the entirety) property may protect from debts of only one spouse.Mo. Rev. Stat. § 513.430(6), § 513.475; In re Anderson, 12 B.R. 483 (W.D. Mo. 1981)TBE property has special protection but does not necessarily double the exemption.
Assessment / Insurance Premium ProceedsFully exempt.Mo. Rev. Stat. § 377.090
Disability or Illness BenefitsFully exempt.Mo. Rev. Stat. § 513.430(10)(c)
Fraternal Benefit Society Benefits to \$5,000 (Policy bought 6+ months pre-filing)Exempt if purchased over 6 months before bankruptcy.Mo. Rev. Stat. § 513.430(8)
Life Insurance Dividends, Loan Value or Interest to \$5,000 (Policy bought 6+ months pre-filing)Also must have been purchased 6+ months pre-bankruptcy.Mo. Rev. Stat. § 513.430(8)
Life Insurance Proceeds (If policy owned by a woman on her husband)Fully exempt.Mo. Rev. Stat. § 376.530
Life Insurance Proceeds (If policy owned by unmarried woman on her father/brother)Fully exempt.Mo. Rev. Stat. § 376.550
Stipulated Insurance PremiumsFully exempt.Mo. Rev. Stat. § 377.330
Unmatured Life Insurance PolicyFully exempt.Mo. Rev. Stat. § 513.430(7)
Alimony / Child SupportTo \$500/month exempt.Mo. Rev. Stat. § 513.430(10)(d)
Property of Business PartnershipExempt from partner’s individual creditors.Mo. Rev. Stat. § 358.250
City Employees (Cities ≥ 100,000 pop.)Exempt pension benefits.Mo. Rev. Stat. § 71.207
ERISA-Qualified Benefits Needed for Support (Payments Received)Exempt if currently being received and needed for support.Mo. Rev. Stat. § 513.430(10)(e)
FirefightersPension/retirement benefits exempt.Mo. Rev. Stat. §§ 87.090, 87.365, 87.485
Highway & Transportation EmployeesExempt retirement benefits.Mo. Rev. Stat. § 104.250
Police Department EmployeesExempt pension benefits.Mo. Rev. Stat. §§ 86.190, 86.353, 86.493, 86.780
State EmployeesExempt retirement benefits.Mo. Rev. Stat. § 104.540
TeachersPension/retirement benefits exempt.Mo. Rev. Stat. § 169.090
Appliances, Household Goods, Furnishings, Clothing, Books, Crops, Animals, Musical Instruments to \$1,000 totalAggregated personal property limit.Mo. Rev. Stat. § 513.430(1)
Burial Grounds to 1 Acre or \$100Exemption for burial plot or small sum.Mo. Rev. Stat. § 214.190
Health AidsFully exempt.Mo. Rev. Stat. § 513.430(9)
Jewelry to \$500Personal adornment limit.Mo. Rev. Stat. § 513.430(2)
Motor Vehicle to \$1,000Equity limit in a single vehicle.Mo. Rev. Stat. § 513.430(5)
Personal Injury Causes of ActionExempt (In re Mitchell).73 B.R. 93 (E.D. Mo. 1987)Court case references applying the statute.
Wrongful Death RecoveriesFully exempt if you depended on the deceased.Mo. Rev. Stat. § 513.430(11)
AFDCFully exempt.Mo. Rev. Stat. § 513.430(10)(a)
Social SecurityFully exempt.Mo. Rev. Stat. § 513.430(10)(a)
Unemployment CompensationFully exempt from garnishment.Mo. Rev. Stat. § 288.380(10)(l); 513.430(10)(c)
Veterans’ BenefitsFully exempt.Mo. Rev. Stat. § 513.430(10)(b)
Workers’ CompensationFully exempt.Mo. Rev. Stat. § 287.260
Implements, Books & Tools of TradeUp to \$2,000 total.Mo. Rev. Stat. § 513.430(4)
WagesMinimum 75% of earned but unpaid wages (90% if head of family), or more if low-income. Alternatively, \$90 for “servant or common laborer.”Mo. Rev. Stat. §§ 525.030, 513.470
WildcardUp to **\$1,250** of any property if head of family, else \$400; plus an extra **\$250** per child for a head of family.Mo. Rev. Stat. §§ 513.430(3), 513.440This can stack with other exemptions.

Disclaimer

This overview is for general educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Exemption amounts or references may be updated or interpreted differently by courts. Always consult a licensed Missouri bankruptcy attorney or refer to the official Missouri Revised Statutes for precise amounts, eligibility, and current applicability.