Fee Waiver Policy

Alliance offers a waiver of the course fee if the client’s income is less than the federal poverty guideline, or a fee reduction of 50% to clients whose income is less than 1.5 times the federal poverty guideline. Alternately, if there has been a waiver of the court filing fee, the course fee will be waived.

In order to issue a waiver or reduction, we must to receive supporting documentation of the client’s income, except where the client has already received a waiver from the Alliance in the past 3 months.

What to do:

1. Review the Stipulations, Documents and Current Poverty Guidelines sections below:
2. Gather the Documents
3. Send the Documents
   • email to bankruptcy@knowdebt.org, or
   • fax to 704-943-0313, then
   • call 866-686-9032 to confirm reciept

Stipulations:

If a client is married, but filing single, both spouse’s combined income is considered, if living in the same household.

If the client’s income is under the poverty line, we will waive the fee.

If client’s income is above the poverty line, but under 150% of the poverty line, the cost of the course will be adjusted to the following:

• Budget Briefing – Online $14.50 for single session $18.75 for a joint session
• Telephone – $24.50 for single session $29.50 for a joint session
• Debtor Education – Online $14.50 for single session $18.75 for a joint session
• Mailed course (Money In Motion) $32.50 for single session $42.50 for a joint session

Documents:

If claiming any dependants, the first page of the most recent 1040 tax return is required.

If working – In addition to 2 Consecutive pay stubs from an employer for each individual working in the household, the client must also send in 1st page of the most recent 1040-tax documents or legal documentation of guardianship for dependents.

If Unemployed – In addition to Unemployment Documentation from the area or state employment commission, client must also send in 1st page of the most recent 1040-tax documents or legal documentation of guardianship for dependents. (If another individual in the household is working, we will also require pay stubs from that individual.)

If receiving SSI, Disability, and or Pension – In addition to SS/Disability Documentation for the local Social Security office, or appropriate Pension documentation, client must also send in 1st page of the most recent 1040-tax documents or legal documentation of guardianship for dependents.

If client is receiving any other Assistance – client will need to send documentation of this assistance. Examples are (AFDC, Child support & Federal Food Assistance etc)

If self-employed – clients who are self-employed but have an affiliation with a company or work for commissions may, in many cases, be able to provide check stubs similar to salaried employees. Clients who do not have check stubs may send a copy of their most recent tax forms or documentation from their accountant showing their income.

If client received a waiver of filing fee from the courts – client must provide evidence that they received a waiver of court fees for the bankruptcy case. Please provide a copy of the Order on Debtor’s Application for Waiver of the filing fee. If the client can supply a waiver of court fees we will automatically waive the fee and would NOT require supporting income documentation.

Current Poverty Guidelines: