Application to Waive Filing Fee (aka in forma pauperis)
Last Updated: November 19, 2008

In lieu of paying the filing fee or filing an installment application, an individual chapter 7 debtor may file an application for waiver of the filing fee along with the bankruptcy petition. The application must conform substantially to Official Form B3B. 

The bankruptcy court may waive the chapter 7 filing fee for an individual debtor who: (a) has income less than 150 percent of the poverty guidelines last published by the United States Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) applicable to a family of the size involved; and (b) is unable to pay that fee in installments.

Filing Requirements:

• Application to Waive Filing Fee (Official Form B3B)

To File Electronically:

1. Log into CM/ECF.

2. Select [Bankruptcy >  Motions/Applications].

3. Enter the case number (e.g, xx-xxxxx).

4. Select [Waive Filing Fee (Bankruptcy Case)] from the event list.

5. Skip the Joint Filing screen.

6. Select the party filer.

7. Browse to select the Application to Waive Filing Fee (.pdf file).

8. Modify the text as appropriate.

9. Verify the final docket text; if correct, click [Next] to submit your document(s).
   
   Note: The Notice of Electronic Filing displays giving you the document number. Copies of this notice are immediately e-mailed to all participants who receive electronic notification in the case.

Official Form B3B