Another option for a debtor who is unable to make chapter 13 plan payments is to amend the chapter 13 plan to adjust the payment schedule to either reduce the monthly plan payments or extend the length of a plan (not longer than 5 years total from time of 1st payment). In some situations a debtor may need to adjust the monthly play payments to reflect changes in income, such as reduced wages resulting from reduced working hours.
In those situations the debtor can apply to the bankruptcy court to amend the chapter 13 plan to reflect his/her decreased income by reducing the monthly plan payments. Amendment of a chapter 13 plan requires a motion to amend the plan brought on notice to the chapter 13 trustee and all creditors.