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1. Applying for Fee Waiver or Deferral
You must complete and file the Application for Deferral or Waiver of Court Fees or Costs (Form No. AOCDFGF1F) if you want to waive or defer your court fees.
  • If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you qualify for a waiver, but you must provide proof (for example, your award letter).

  • If you receive TANF or food stamps, you qualify for a deferral, but you must provide proof (for example, your award letter).

  • If you receive legal assistance from a non-profit legal aid provider, you qualify for a deferral, but you must provide proof (for example, get a verification letter from the non-profit legal aid provider).

  • For all other applicants, you must complete the financial questionnaire and provide proof.
By signing the Application, you agree that a Consent Judgment may be entered against you and referred to a collection agency for all fees or costs that are deferred but remain unpaid 30 days after your case ends and a final order, decree, or judgment is issued in your case.

You may need to complete and file the Affidavit in Support of Application for Deferral or Waiver of Service of Process Fees (Form No. AOCDFGF3F) to defer or waive service of process and service by publication fees if they were not deferred or waived at the time you filed your initial Application.

 

SSI Benefits

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is NOT the same as regular retirement benefits from the Social Security Administration or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
Proof Requirements

If you receive government benefits, you must provide proof showing your name as the benefit’s recipient and the name of the agency that provides the benefit.
Reminder

Notify the court if your financial situation changes during your case. You may be ordered to pay any amounts that were waived or deferred if the court finds you are no longer eligible.
Definition

A consent judgment is a way for the court to collect unpaid court fees that are due 30 days after your case ends and there is a final order, decree, or judgment in your case.