Section 551. Continuation of In Forma Pauperis Status for Purposes of Appeal

(a) General rule.—A party who has been granted leave by a lower court to proceed in forma pauperis may proceed in forma pauperis in an appellate court upon filing with the clerk of the lower court two copies of a verified statement stating:

(1) The date on which the lower court entered the order granting leave to proceed in forma pauperis.

(2) That there has been no substantial change in the financial condition of the party since such date.

(3) That the party is unable to pay the fees and costs on appeal.

(b) Effect on filing fees.—A verified statement conforming to Subdivision (a) of this rule, papers transmitted therewith, and papers subsequently tendered by a party which has filed such a verified statement, shall be filed by any clerk who has notice of such filing without the payment of any fee required under Chapter 27 (fees and costs in appellate courts and on appeal).

Official Note

Ordinarily the copies of the verified statement under this rule would be filed with the clerk of the lower court at the time copies of the notice of appeal are filed under Rule 905 (filing of notice of appeal). See note to Rule 124 (form of papers; number of copies) as to method of counting number of copies.

The provisions of this Rule 551 amended May 16, 1979, effective September 30, 1979, 9 Pa.B. 1740. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (25384).