(a) In Forma Pauperis Motion. An applicant who seeks leave to proceed without prepayment
of the filing fees must file a motion to proceed in forma pauperis on the court approved
form (Pro Se or Prisoner) available on the Court’s website.
(b) Prisoner Account Certificate. In the case of a prisoner, such motion must also include a
certificate executed by an authorized officer of the appropriate penal institution stating: (1)
the amount of money or securities currently on deposit to the prisoner’s credit in any
institutional account; (2) the average monthly deposits to the prisoner’s account for the six-
month period immediately preceding the filing of the action; and (3) the average monthly
balance in the prisoner’s account for the six-month period immediately preceding the filing
of the action.
If the prisoner has been in more than one penal institution during the six-month period
immediately preceding the filing of the action, the prisoner must obtain the required
certificate from the appropriate official at each institution.
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Local Rules Effective Date: 10/10/2024
(c) In Forma Pauperis Denial. In forma pauperis status may be denied a prisoner seeking to
bring a civil action, or appeal a judgment in a civil action, if the total balance of the
prisoner’s institutional accounts equals or exceeds the sum of the required filing fee plus
$10.00. In any case, if in forma pauperis status is denied, (1) payment of the entire filing
fee shall be required to commence the action or appeal, and (2) the applicant shall have
twenty-one days, unless a different time is specified by the Court, within which to pay the
required filing fees.
