District of Columbia Code Division II. Judiciary and Judicial Procedure § 15-712. Proceedings in Forma Pauperis.

(a) Any District of Columbia court may authorize the commencement, prosecution or defense of any noncriminal suit, action or proceeding, or appeal therein, without prepayment of fees and costs or security therefor, including the fees for transcripts on appeal, by a person who is unable to pay such costs or give security therefor without substantial hardship to himself or herself or his or her family, as established by affidavit or other proof satisfactory to the court.

(b) Any person who makes an affidavit as provided in subsection (a) of this section and states therein that he or she receives public assistance under the District of Columbia Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Program on Work, Employment, and Responsibility or General Assistance for Children programs, or receives assistance under title XVI of the Social Security Act (Supplemental Security Income) (76 Stat. 197) shall be presumed eligible to proceed without prepayment of fees and costs or security therefor.