If you have previously filed for Bankruptcy protection, and subsequently encounter additional financial issues, the time-frame you must wait to file another case varies depending upon several factors.  In regards to Chapter 7 protection, if you successfully received a Discharge in your original case, you must wait a minimum of eight (8) years from the date of filing before you may be eligible to seek such relief again.

However, if you previously filed a Chapter 7, received a Discharge and now plan to file a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy, the waiting period is only four (4) years, after which you could receive another Discharge through that case process.

Assuming you previously filed a Chapter 13, received a Discharge and now want to file a Chapter 7, a period of six (6) years must elapse.  Further, if you previously filed a Chapter 13, received a Discharge, and now need to file another Chapter 13, then you must only wait two (2) years before you become prospectively eligible.

Candidly, this myriad of time-frames can be confusing.  So the best way to determine your present eligibility for Bankruptcy protection is to properly consult with appropriate legal counsel.