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Hardship Qualifications

The City will review your information to decide if you qualify for a waiver of the advance deposit (the fine you must pay before a hearing).

Applying for a hardship waiver is optional. If you apply, you must provide all required information. If you do not provide enough information, your request may be denied. 

IMPORTANT

The citation date and weekends are included when counting the 15-day and 30-day deadlines.

PROOF OF INCOME

If it applies to you, include your current federal tax return (Form 1040, 1040A, Schedule 1). If you own a business, you must also include a Schedule C form as proof of income. You must also provide copies of any of the following that apply:

 DOCUMENTS THAT MAY BE REQUIRED  PHONE NUMBER
 IRS letter (1722) for adults with no income  (800) 829-1040
 Social Security benefits statement (SSA)  (800) 772-1213
 Supplemental Security Income (SSI) statement  (800) 772-1213

 Welfare or General Assistance eligibility (Notice of Action / Income Verification)

  (408) 758-3800

 Documentation of Unemployment from Employment Development Department (EDD)

  (408) 436-5600

GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS

For Business Owners

You may qualify if:

  • Your business is a sole proprietorship
  • You have no employees
  • Your income is at or below the poverty level

For 2025, the income limit is $46,950. 

For Residents (2025 Household Income Limits)

You may qualify based on your total yearly income and number of dependents:

 NUMBER OF DEPENDENTS  2025 HOUSEHOLD INCOME LIMITS
 1 Dependent  $46,950
 2 Dependents  $63,450
 3 Dependents  $79,950
 4 Dependents  $96,450
 5 Dependents  $112,950
 6 Dependents  $129,450
 7 Dependents  $145,950
 8 Dependents  $162,450
 Each Additional Dependent  Add $16,500