TN 9 (05-02)

BACKGROUND

The U.S. District Court may waive the cost of filing a complaint and allow the individual to proceed in forma pauperis. This action is solely the responsibility of the court. Field Offices (FOs) should not advise a claimant concerning in forma pauperis proceedings. If such a question is raised, FOs should:

• Provide the claimant with the address of the Office of the Clerk of the appropriate U.S. District Court; and

• Suggest that the claimant consult the clerk concerning this issue. (See http://www.findlaw.com/10fedgov/judicial/district_courts.html for links to the U.S. Federal District Courts by state.