This page provides general legal information and calculation tools, not legal advice. DocketMath is not a law firm and does not provide legal representation, and using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws change and exceptions apply, so deadlines and amounts specific to your situation should be confirmed with a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.

Fee Waiver Indigency in Illinois

In Illinois, whether a person qualifies for a fee waiver based on indigency is determined by comparing their income to 125% of the federal poverty guidelines. This standard comes from 735 ILCS 5/5-105 and Ill. Sup. Ct. R. 298. The court applies a formula using the applicant’s household size and gross income to see if it falls at or below that 125% threshold. The statute and rule also set out additional factors the court may consider. The exact calculation depends on current federal poverty figures, which the official source provides. The worked example below demonstrates how the formula applies. A person can use the calculator to estimate whether their income meets the standard.

Governing authority

In Illinois, the fee waiver indigency rule is set by 735 ILCS 5/5-105; Ill. Sup. Ct. R. 298. The verified packet cites 735 ILCS 5/5-105; Ill. Sup. Ct. R. 298 (https://www.ilga.gov/documents/legislation/ilcs/documents/073500050K5-105.htm).

Illinois fee waiver indigency: the verified value is 125% under 735 ILCS 5/5-105; Ill. Sup. Ct. R. 298. The verified packet cites 735 ILCS 5/5-105; Ill. Sup. Ct. R. 298 (https://www.ilga.gov/documents/legislation/ilcs/documents/073500050K5-105.htm).

Estimate your own result: every situation has exceptions that can change the outcome. Use the fee waiver indigency calculator to estimate your specific figure.

This page provides general legal information and calculation tools, not legal advice. DocketMath is not a law firm and does not provide legal representation, and using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws change and exceptions apply, so deadlines and amounts specific to your situation should be confirmed with a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.