Who qualifies for IFP?

No bright-line dollar amount. Federal courts apply a totality-of-the-circumstances test under 28 U.S.C. § 1915. Common factors: income at or below the federal poverty line (~$15K solo, ~$31K family of 4), receiving SSI / SNAP / TANF, no significant assets, dependents to support. Approval rate is roughly 30-40% for genuinely indigent applicants.

The federal filing fee ($405 civil; $605 appellate) is waived. In some districts, the U.S. Marshal also serves your complaint at no cost (FRCP 4(c)(3)). State practices vary — some states waive only the filing fee; others also waive jury fees, transcript costs, and process service fees.

What if my application is denied?

You have the option to (1) pay the filing fee and proceed with the case, (2) appeal the denial (some circuits allow interlocutory appeal of IFP denial), or (3) renew the application with additional financial documentation. Denial is typically because the court found you have sufficient assets or income — the order will say what was missing.

Can the court dismiss my case under IFP?

Yes — 28 U.S.C. § 1915(e)(2)(B) authorizes the court to dismiss an IFP case at any time if it (a) is frivolous or malicious, (b) fails to state a claim, or (c) seeks monetary relief from a defendant who is immune. This is sua sponte review — the court can dismiss without waiting for a motion. Pro-se complaints are construed liberally under Erickson v. Pardus (2007), but plain frivolousness still gets dismissed.

Will granting IFP affect the merits of my case?

No, in theory. IFP is a financial determination, not a merits determination. In practice, judges who deny IFP often have a low view of the underlying claim — and § 1915(e)(2) review can dismiss weak claims at the IFP stage. Plead carefully even at the IFP stage.

State court IFP — how is it different?

Each state has its own poverty-affidavit rule and form. Utah: URCP 73B (waiver for indigent litigants) + court Form 1410. California: Gov't Code § 68631 + Forms FW-001 / FW-003. Texas: Rule 502.3 + Statement of Inability. New York: CPLR § 1101 + poverty affidavit. The wizard's content adapts when you toggle off federal mode — but verify your state's specific form requirements before filing.

Debt collection overview

In forma pauperis

Waive the filing fee.

Federal civil filing fee is $405. Appellate is $605. State varies. If you can’t afford it, 28 U.S.C. § 1915 (federal) or your state’s poverty-affidavit rule lets the judge waive it. The wizard builds a court-ready application — free.