Section 553. Application in Appellate Court

(a) General rule.—A party who has been denied relief under Rule 552 (application to lower court for leave to appeal in forma pauperis), or who has been unable to file an application under such rule because the matter is an original action in the appellate court, or a petition for review proceeding relating to a government unit other than a court, or for any other reason, may apply to the appellate court for leave to proceed in forma pauperis in the appellate court.

(b) Form and procedure.—An application under this rule shall be governed by Rule 552 so far as it may be applied.

Official Note

See former Supreme Court Rule 61(d), which required an affidavit (verified statement) in all cases. Unlike the prior rule, this rule makes clear that the application may be renewed in the appellate court.

The provisions of this Rule 553 amended December 22, 1983, effective January 1, 1984, 14 Pa.B. 43. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (50287).