The Brunner test is a legal standard used to determine whether student loans can be discharged (eliminated) in bankruptcy. The test was established in the 1987 court case In re Brunner, and it has since been used as a guideline for determining the dischargeability of student loans in bankruptcy cases.

The Brunner test consists of three factors that must be met for a borrower to be eligible for student loan discharge in bankruptcy:

1. Hardship: The borrower must demonstrate that repaying the student loans would cause undue hardship. This means that the borrower cannot maintain a minimal standard of living if they are required to pay back their student loans.
2. Good faith: The borrower must show that they have made a good faith effort to repay their student loans before seeking discharge in bankruptcy. This typically involves demonstrating that the borrower has made payments on their student loans, even if they were unable to pay the full amount.
3. Persistence: The borrower must show that their financial circumstances are unlikely to change in the future. This means that the borrower must demonstrate that their hardship is likely to continue for a significant period of time.

If a borrower meets all three factors of the Brunner test, they may be eligible to discharge their student loans in bankruptcy. However, it’s important to note that the Brunner test is just one factor in determining student loan dischargeability in bankruptcy. Other factors, such as the type of student loans (e.g. private or federal) and the bankruptcy chapter being filed under, can also impact a borrower’s ability to discharge their student loans in bankruptcy.

It’s also worth noting that discharging student loans in bankruptcy is not an easy process. Borrowers must typically file an adversary proceeding, which is a separate lawsuit within the bankruptcy case, to seek a determination of dischargeability for their student loans. This can be a complex and time-consuming process, and it’s important for borrowers to seek the guidance of a bankruptcy attorney to navigate the process.

In summary, the Brunner test is a legal standard used to determine whether student loans can be discharged in bankruptcy. It consists of three factors: hardship, good faith, and persistence. If a borrower meets all three factors, they may be eligible to discharge their student loans in bankruptcy. However, it’s important to note that discharging student loans in bankruptcy is a complex process and requires the guidance of a bankruptcy attorney.