Do I Have To Pay Law Suit Court Filing Fee?

If you have been sued or if you wish to sue someone, and if you cannot afford to pay court fees and costs, you may not have to pay them if:

1. You are receiving financial assistance under one or more of the following programs:

- SSI and SSP (Supplemental Security Income and State Supplemental Payments Programs)

- Welfare

- The Food Stamp Program

- County Relief, General Relief (G.R.), or General Assistance (G.A.)

If you are claiming eligibility for a waiver of court fees and costs because you receive financial assistance under one or more of these programs, and you did not provide your public assistance number or social security number and birthdate, you must produce documentation confirming benefits from a public assistance agency or one of the following documents, unless you are a defendant in an unlawful detainer action:

2. Your total gross monthly household income is equal to or less than the amounts established by the state guidelines.

3. Your income is not enough to pay for the common necessaries of life for yourself and the people you support and also pay court fees and costs.

To apply, fill out the Application for Waiver of Court Fees and Costs available from the clerk’s office. If you claim no income, you may be required to file a declaration under penalty of perjury. Prison and jail inmates may be required to pay up to the full amount of the filing fee.