WAIVER OF DPS SURCHARGES FOR DWI
Tuesday, September 25th, 2012Texas DPS Driver Responsibility Indigency Program
General Overview -The Texas legislature authorized the Indigency program to provide drivers the ability to comply with surcharges owed under the Driver Responsibility program and maintain driving privileges. The surcharges are not waived under this program, but are reduced.
The Department of Public Safety’s (DPS) objective for the Indigency program is to increase public safety on the roadways by ensuring drivers can become licensed and obtain financial liability insurance.
The DPS Indigency program will apply to individuals living at or below 125% of the federal poverty level as defined by the Department of Health and Human Services. Individuals may apply by completing, signing, and having notarized an affidavit.
If an individual qualifies for Indigency, it will reduce the surcharge amount owed to 10% of the total, not to exceed $250 (service fees will still apply). It will also remove suspension of driving privileges for those who qualify for the program while making payments (assuming no other restrictions are on file with DPS).
Any surcharge assessed on or after September 30, 2004 is eligible for reductions under the Indigency program provided your application is approved.
To apply-Each individual must submit the DPS approved application. The application must be completed in full and notarized prior to submission. The application is available for download HERE or you may call (866) 223-3583 and have an application sent to your address of record through our automated system. For instructions on how to fill out an application, click HERE.
Supporting Documents-Applicants must provide supporting documentation based on answers to the questions on the Indigency application. Falsified applications may result in criminal charges and prosecution.
Some examples of supporting documents:
•A 1040 for the prior tax year and include any 1099 forms related to the 1040
•The most recent two (2) months’ bank statements
•The most recent two (2) paycheck stubs from all employers
•Unemployment claims of payment or denial letter for the previous months
•Social Security Supplemental Income receipts for the previous months
•Any other documentation related to income which was listed on the Indigency application.
•Evidence of dependents if not listed on the previous documents.
NOTE- If you are an inmate and need to complete an unsworn declaration, please download HERE.
Approval-A notice will be sent to each applicant who qualifies for the Indigency reduction. The notice will provide the due date and the reduced balance owed.
Denial-If an application is denied, a letter of denial will be sent to the individual at the address listed on the most recent surcharge account.
Payment-The payment must be received by the due date or driving privileges will be suspended. If new surcharges are assessed within 90 days of approval for Indigency, those surcharges will be reduced and a letter will be sent to the individual with the new balance due. That new balance must still be paid by the original due date.
New Surcharges-If a surcharge is assessed 90 days or more from the date of Indigency approval (as listed on the approval letter), you will be required submit a new Indigency application for that surcharge. You will receive a notice of approval or denial.
Example of Poverty level as per the Health and Human Services Department:
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