A proof of claim is the form document a creditor must complete to be paid from the assets of a bankruptcy case. The proof of claim generally tells the bankruptcy trustee whether the claim is secured or unsecured, priority or nonpriority, and the amount of the claim. All creditors who want to be paid from the bankruptcy estate must file a proof of claim in Chapter 7, 12, and 13 bankruptcy cases—except in Chapter 7 no-asset cases, as there are no funds for distribution to creditors.

In Connecticut, as in all states, a proof of claim is a formal statement filed by a creditor in a bankruptcy case to assert their right to receive a distribution from the bankruptcy estate. This document must detail the nature of the claim (secured or unsecured), its priority status, and the claim amount. Creditors are required to file a proof of claim in Chapter 7 (except in no-asset cases where there are no funds to distribute), Chapter 12, and Chapter 13 bankruptcy proceedings. The proof of claim must be filed by a specific deadline, which is typically 90 days after the first date set for the meeting of creditors in a Chapter 7 asset case and Chapter 13 case, and in a Chapter 12 case, the deadline is typically 90 days after the order for relief. Failure to file a proof of claim by the deadline may result in the creditor not being able to participate in any distribution from the bankruptcy estate. The process is governed by federal bankruptcy law, specifically under the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure, and local bankruptcy court rules in Connecticut may provide additional procedural details.