How do I request in forma pauperis relief?
In civil cases, the procedure for seeking in forma pauperis relief is set out in Minn. R. Civ. App. P. 109.02. A motion to proceed in forma pauperis on appeal must be made to the district court or agency that issued the decision from which the appeal is taken, and it must be made at or before the time you file the appeal. Note that you must return to the same judge who issued the decision you are appealing. The motion must include (a) an affidavit showing the party’s inability to pay and (b) a copy of the party’s Form 133 statement of the case showing the issues that will be raised on appeal. Most district courts have specific forms that they require for in forma pauperis applications. Be sure to include a copy of the motion that was filed with the district court or agency with your appeal papers when you file the appeal with the Clerk of the Appellate Courts. The Court of Appeals will not rule on your motion, but we need to know that you have made one in the district court. In a civil
