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How to Get Out of Jury Duty: A Detailed Guide to Writing an Excuse Letter

Last Updated: March 25, 2024 Fact Checked

Sample Jury Duty Excuse Letter

Exemption & documentation requirements.

• Drafting Your Letter
• Submitting Your Letter

This article was written by Jennifer Mueller, JD and by wikiHow staff writer, Raven Minyard, BA . Jennifer Mueller is an in-house legal expert at wikiHow. Jennifer reviews, fact-checks, and evaluates wikiHow's legal content to ensure thoroughness and accuracy. She received her JD from Indiana University Maurer School of Law in 2006. There are 27 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 381,884 times.

If you receive a summons for jury duty, you typically must appear in court. If you disobey this order, you may be subject to stiff fines or even jail time. However, the federal government and each state recognize legitimate reasons why you may be excused from jury duty because completing jury service would constitute a hardship for you. In this article, we’ll walk you step-by-step through how to write a jury excuse letter so you can send it to the judge and find out whether the court will excuse you from jury duty.

Writing a Professional Jury Excuse Letter

When writing a jury excuse letter, directly state why you cannot serve and how serving would lead to hardship. Valid exemptions include being ill or disabled, being the sole guardian of young children, or being over the age of 70. Include documentation such as a doctor’s note or a letter from an employer.

• Carefully note any dates on your summons, including the dates you’ve been called to jury duty. You will have to include these dates in your jury excuse letter and may need to provide them to anyone whom you need to write a letter on your behalf as documentation.
• For example, if you cannot appear for work-related reasons, you may need a letter from your boss that tells the court why you cannot be spared from work on those days.

• Being employed as a public official, police officer, or firefighter (for federal court) [3] X Research source
• Serving active duty in the armed forces
• Being over the age of 70 or 80
• Having medical issues or disabilities
• Employment conflict or financial hardship
• Being a breastfeeding mother or having active care and custody of young children, elderly, or disabled family members
• Being a full-time high school or college student
• Some excuses allow you to be excused from jury duty, while others only allow you to have your service deferred for a specific time. Make sure you know whether you're eligible for a complete excuse or a deferral so you ask for the right thing.
• Many states, like Massachusetts, have strict legal requirements regarding disqualification from jury duty for medical reasons. If you plan on claiming a medical excuse, read these requirements carefully and talk to your doctor before writing your letter. [4] X Trustworthy Source State of Massachusetts Official website for the State of Massachusetts Go to source
• Many of these exemptions apply to jury duty in both the United States and the UK. [5] X Trustworthy Source Official UK government website Official website for the public sector of the UK government Go to source

• For example, the state of Texas allows you to postpone jury service at least once, but you must send a letter with your reasons for being excused at least two weeks before the date you’re scheduled to serve. [7] X Research source
• In the UK, you must respond to the summons within 7 days of receiving it or risk being fined up to £1,000. Contact the Jury Central Summoning Bureau for any questions. [8] X Trustworthy Source Official UK government website Official website for the public sector of the UK government Go to source

• If you’re asking to be excused from jury duty because it would present financial hardship, gather documents that prove the state of your finances or the fact that your income is necessary to care for dependents. [10] X Research source
• If you’re claiming a work-related reason, talk to your supervisor or manager about writing a letter for you to include with your own letter describing the need for you to be at work on the dates you’ve been summoned.
• You may also need to provide similar documentation as proof in the UK. [11] X Trustworthy Source Official UK government website Official website for the public sector of the UK government Go to source

Drafting Your Jury Excuse Letter

• For example, if you are summoned to serve on a jury in New Jersey, the court includes a questionnaire that you must complete and return. On that questionnaire, you can indicate if you are not qualified to serve on a jury or if you want your service dates to be postponed.
• In some jurisdictions, these forms must be completed and sent within a certain period of time after you receive your summons, regardless of whether you are asking to be excused from service. [13] X Research source
• In the UK, you can either respond to your summons online at gov.uk, or complete and return the form by mail. [14] X Trustworthy Source Official UK government website Official website for the public sector of the UK government Go to source

• For a judge, the proper salutation should be “Dear Honorable Judge (Full Name)”. For example, Dear Honorable Judge Katherine Smith. Use the full name as provided for the clerk.

• For example, write something like “My name is Jane Doe. On (date), I received a jury summons for (court date) at (court address) and was assigned the juror number (insert number here). I am writing to request to be excused from jury service because being absent from work would pose an extreme financial hardship.”

• If the court accepts work-related excuses, explain the necessity for you to be at work or the hardship that would occur if you were to miss work. [19] X Research source For example, you may work at a small business that would have to close for the day if you weren't there to run the shop. You could say something like “I currently run a small business as the sole employee. If I were to serve on the jury, I would have to close my shop, which would drastically affect my income. My household consists of (number of residents) and our monthly income is (total income), of which (individual income) is from my business. Our monthly expenses average (total expenses).”
• If you're requesting to be excused from jury duty because you must care for a child, consider including reasons you are unable to find appropriate child care under the circumstances.
• Keep in mind that, in some jurisdictions, you are limited to one reason for your excuse. For example, in California, your excuse is denied if you indicate more than one reason why you are disqualified from jury service. For this reason, rather than piling on multiple reasons, pick the one for which you have the strongest documentation.

• For example, many courts will excuse breastfeeding mothers from jury duty. [21] X Research source In that case, you may be willing to serve if your duty is postponed until a date in the future when your child is no longer breastfeeding.
• Say something like “As I am a breastfeeding mother, I am more than willing to serve on the jury once my child is no longer breastfeeding. This should be in about 3 more months.”
• If you cannot serve at another time because of a permanent disability, for example, try something like “Because my disability is permanent and affects my ability to get around, I am requesting to be permanently excused from jury duty.”
• In the UK, you’ll need to suggest 3 possible dates in the next 12 months that you could serve on the jury. You may only be excused completely if you have a serious illness or disability, are the full-time caretaker of someone with a serious illness or disability, or if you are a new parent. [22] X Trustworthy Source Official UK government website Official website for the public sector of the UK government Go to source

• Say something like “If possible, I’d prefer to receive a phone call when you reach your decision. You can contact me at (phone number). Thank you for your consideration.”

• It may help to read your letter aloud or have someone else read over it to see if they can catch any typos you may have overlooked.

Submitting Your Jury Excuse Letter

• For example, if you will be out of town on the date you were summoned for jury duty, and you've already made reservations or purchased plane tickets, copies of these reservations and/or tickets would provide proof of your excuse. [28] X Research source

• If you're unsure whether the court will receive your letter by the deadline if you use regular mail, use priority two-day or next-day mailing services.
• Make copies of everything you send to the court before you mail it, so you have them for your records.

• Keep in mind that courts typically consider each request on a case-by-case basis, and they have the discretion to grant or deny your request. Just because someone else has been excused from jury duty for the same reason you've provided doesn't mean your request to be excused will be granted. [31] X Research source

• In the UK, you can appeal the decision by writing to the Jury Central Summoning Bureau. Include your full name, address, date of birth, and juror number. Note the name and address of the court you’ve been summoned to, as well as the dates of your jury service. Explain why you disagree with the decision and provide as much evidence as possible. [33] X Trustworthy Source Official UK government website Official website for the public sector of the UK government Go to source

Expert Q&A

• Employers are forbidden by law from firing you or taking disciplinary action against you for reporting to jury duty, so it isn't a valid excuse to claim you're afraid you'll lose your job if you serve on a jury. [34] X Research source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

• If you are physically unable to appear in court due to disability/disabilities, make sure to include that information in your letter requesting to be excused. Include the limits this disability creates. For example, "I cannot walk more than 30 feet and am unable to sit/use a wheelchair. Except to use the bathroom, I am mostly bedridden at home."

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.nccourts.gov/help-topics/jury-service/jury-service
• ↑ https://www.williamsoncounty-tn.gov/1905/Jury-Duty
• ↑ https://www.ncmd.uscourts.gov/jury-excuses
• ↑ https://www.mass.gov/how-to/request-a-medical-disqualification-from-jury-duty
• ↑ https://www.gov.uk/jury-service/delaying-or-being-excused-from-jury-service
• ↑ https://www.shelbycountytn.gov/Faq.aspx?QID=492
• ↑ https://www.cookcountyil.gov/service/jury-duty
• ↑ https://www.gov.uk/jury-service/respond-to-the-summons
• ↑ https://ww2.nycourts.gov/courts/10jd/suffolk/coj/excuses.shtml
• ↑ https://thirddistrictcourt.nmcourts.gov/home/jury-information/exemption-from-service/
• ↑ https://www.16thcircuit.org/qualifications-excuses-postponements
• ↑ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/subject_specific_writing/professional_technical_writing/basic_business_letters/index.html
• ↑ https://www.chapman.edu/law/_files/externships/secure/addressing-judges-in-writing.pdf
• ↑ https://www.nyjuror.gov/juryQandA.shtml
• ↑ https://courts.delaware.gov/superior/jury/jury_excusals_postponements.aspx
• ↑ https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/apply-to-be-excused-from-jury-service
• ↑ https://www.ncsc-jurystudies.org/__data/assets/pdf_file/0023/7709/best-practices-for-excusal-policies.pdf
• ↑ https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=21127
• ↑ https://juryduty.nashville.gov/about-jury-duty-service/general-information/#:~:text=REQUEST%20TO%20BE%20EXCUSED%2FPOSTPONED&text=If%20you%20need%20to%20be,confirmation%20letter%2C%20text%20or%20email .
• ↑ https://www.touro.edu/departments/writing-center/tutorials/seven-steps-to-effective-proofreading/
• ↑ https://www.pens.com/blog/black-vs-blue-ink-what-color-ink-is-more-professional/
• ↑ https://www.tncourts.gov/sites/default/files/docs/jury_summons_form.pdf
• ↑ https://www.mad.uscourts.gov/jurors/jury-duty-excused.htm
• ↑ https://www.vaed.uscourts.gov/jury-service-faqs
• ↑ https://faq.usps.com/s/article/Certified-Mail-The-Basics
• ↑ https://www.sdcourt.ca.gov/sdcourt/jury2/juryfaq
• ↑ https://www.nced.uscourts.gov/jurors/faq.aspx

About This Article

To write a jury excuse letter, start by checking with your court to see if they'd prefer you to fill out a specific form. If no form is available, you can type your letter using traditional business letter format. Write the date at the top and address the letter to the name indicated on your jury summons. Then, provide your full legal name and any identifying information included on your jury notice, like a jury number or reference number. After that, give a brief explanation of why you want to be excused from jury duty, sticking to the facts of your situation. Close your letter by telling the court if you want to be permanently excused or simply have the duty deferred or postponed to another time. Finally, print out the letter and sign your full name at the bottom in blue or black ink. For tips on submitting your letter properly, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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United States District Court  for the   District of Massachusetts

Requesting an excuse from jury duty.

The questionnaire MUST be filled out in its entirety. You must include, or submit separately, a letter from your doctor or any other pertinent information if you are requesting to be excused or postponed from service.

The following excuses are accepted by the court by request and proper documentation.

• Any person over the age of 70 years old who makes a showing of physical infirmity, travel difficulties, undue hardship, or extreme inconvenience. You MUST complete the online juror questionnaire and request to be excused.
• Persons having full time care and custody of their child or children, under the age of ten years old whose health and/or safety would be jeopardized by their absence for jury service. You MUST provide the age of your children when prompted.
• Persons who are essential to the full time care of aged or infirmed persons in their custody. You MUST provide a specific physicians letter stating that you are the full time care giver of a person in a custody.
• Any person who has served FIVE (5) or more days of STATE court jury service in the past three years. You MUST provide a copy of your certificate of STATE court jury service.
• Any person having served FEDERAL court jury service in the past three years. You MUST provide a copy of your Certificate of Jury Service, a copy of your FEDERAL jury summons or indicate the date(s) served.
• Volunteer safety personnel who serve without compensation as firefighters or members of a rescue squad or ambulance crew for a public agency. You MUST provide proof of your volunteer status.

If you are requesting to be excused or postponed due to extreme hardship that is not listed on the questionnaire, you may send an e-mail to the jury department explaining the hardship. All hardships are reviewed by the court on a case by case basis. If requesting to be excused or postponed due to a medical condition, you must submit a letter on letterhead from your doctor. You or the physician may email the document(s) , fax the documents, or send by mail to the address located on the front of the summons.

Quick Links

Relevant documents.

United States District Court

Eastern district of new york, honorable margo k. brodie, chief judge • brenna b. mahoney, clerk of court, search form.

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Summons information.

Jurors requesting to be excused from or postpone their jury service may place their request in writing no less than 10 days prior to the summons date to the jury office. Your letter must be received well in advance of your scheduled jury service date. Please address all requests and documentation to support your request along with a copy of your summons to the following address:

 Clerk's Office - Jury Section  United States District Court Eastern District of New York  225 Cadman Plaza East  Brooklyn, New York 11201-1818

Postponements or excusals will not be accepted via email.

Please include on the outside of the envelope the date you have been summoned to appear. The following each require you to provide acceptable documentation:

   1.If you are claiming non-citizenship status you must submit a copy of your Green Card or any other legal document verifying that you are not a U.S. Citizen.

   2.If you do not live in Richmond, Queens, Kings, Nassau or Suffolk counties you must submit proof of non-residence. Acceptable documentation to verify non-residence status include a current utility bill, copy of a lease or deed.

   3.If you have active care and custody of children under the age of 10 and you are not employed or are employed part-time, you must submit a copy of the child's birth certificate. If you are the sole care-giver to an aged or infirm person whose health and/or safety would be jeopardized by your absence for jury service, you must submit a doctor's letter attesting to this fact.

   4.If you have served as a juror in a state or federal court within the last two years you must submit the certificate of attendance verifying your service. The state and federal court are not linked and we cannot verify your jury service in your local or state courts without this documentation.

   5.If you have a medical hardship that would impede your jury service you must submit a doctor's letter attesting to this fact.

   6.Actively practicing attorneys, physicians, dentists, registered nurses, police officers, firefighters, members of the clergy, or a person essential to the operation of a business, commercial or agricultural enterprise that would be closed if required to  perform jury duty must submit proof of their profession or business ownership. Acceptable documentation may include but not limited to business license or certificate, corporation papers, or tax papers.

   7.If you have scheduled vacation or travel plans during the time of your jury service you must submit a copy of your prepaid plane ticket or itinerary verifying your travel.

   8.If you are a full-time student you will be granted a postponement upon-receipt of your school schedule verifying your student  status.

Unless you receive a notice from this Court granting you an excuse or postponement, or unless the Court notifies you in writing or by phone to report at a different time, you must attend as directed in the summons. Failure to obey the summons may be punishable by fine and/or imprisonment.

   Jury Duty Postponement Request

{Name} {Address} {Phone #}

Dear {jury commissioner} :

I have received a summons for jury service on {date} . Coincidentally, I am already committed to {travel overseas/testify in another trial/get married/etc.} at that time. Changing my plans would be nearly impossible and create an extreme hardship. I have enclosed {documentation} as proof of these plans.

I'm not seeking to be excused altogether. I would be happy to serve {date range} . Please postpone my service until at least that time.

{Sender Name}

Download this hardship letter — free!

Formatted and ready to use with Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or any other word processor that can open the .DOC file format.

Index of Hardship Letter Examples

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CIVIL AND MISDEMEANORS

How to write a jury duty excuse letter.

By Editorial Team

February 18, 2020

Reviewed by Beverly Bird, Paralegal

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• Reasons for Being Excused from Jury Duty in North Carolina

Serving jury duty is a civic duty, but it's not always feasible. Work, childcare, illnesses and other duties can get in the way of serving. Courts might summon you, but they do understand that people have busy lives. They can't always get to the courthouse and serve indefinitely if selected.

An excuse letter can sometimes help you legally get out of this duty if you have a legitimate reason not to attend.

Check Your State and Federal Exemptions

Simply not wanting to be on a jury isn't a legal excuse for dodging the duty. You must have a reason that the court will accept.

Check which court sent your summons. It might be federal, state, or county. Then check the corresponding laws for a list of legitimate jury excuses. For example, you might be excused from federal court jury duty if you're an active military member or employed as a police officer, firefighter or public official. Exemptions for state courts vary, but some of the more common include medical, financial and family issues.

Finding Guidelines for Acceptable Reasons Not to Attend

You might claim financial hardship as a reason not to attend if you're the only worker in your household and missing work would dock your pay. If you care for children or sick family members at home, you can tell the court that you have no other means for caring for these people. If you have a mental or physical disability that keeps you from performing any part of a juror's duty, or if you don't live in the court's jurisdiction, you can write an excuse letter. Some courts will allow you to at least postpone jury duty if you have a previously scheduled trip away from the area, but this simply kicks the can down the road.

Call the number on your summons for the most accurate and detailed information on the court's accepted excuses. The court clerk might be able to save you some time by telling you if your excuse is valid and where to submit your letter.

Where to Find Jury Duty Excuse Forms or Letters

Some states include excuse forms with their jury summonses. Start here if yours has such a form or a link for an online version. There's usually no reason to submit an additional letter when you complete this form, but you must write a letter yourself if you don't live in a state that provides these forms.

Every jury excuse request is considered on an individual basis, but some general guidelines apply. Start by including the date, your mailing return address and your juror number. Your letter can be informal, but it should begin with a declaration of your inability to serve as a juror. For example, you can say something as simple as, "I am requesting deferral/excusal from jury service." Read More: How to Write Request Letters for Jury Duty

Explain Your Excuse

Detail your reasons for requesting an excuse from jury duty. Include reasons why you can't serve. If it's your workplace’s policy that your employer won't pay for days lost due to jury duty, you can cite this and explain that serving will cause you financial hardship. Back up your excuse with documentation, such as a statement from your employer or a copied excerpt from your employee handbook.

Be sure to suggest a new date that's more workable for you if you're requesting that your jury service be delayed.

Hope for the Best

Proofread your letter and make a copy for your own records. Mail or fax it to your court. Wait to hear back from the court on its decision as to whether officially release you from jury duty. Follow up with a phone call if the jury administrator doesn't reply within a reasonable period of time.

No response is a good response in some states – the clerk of the court will only respond if your request has been denied. But don't just assume that you're off the hook if you hear nothing.

• The Law Dictionary: Best Way to Write a Jury Duty Excuse Letter
• American Council on Science and Health: Medical Exemptions For Jury Duty
• Online Paralegal: 5 Reasons People Are Excused From Jury Duty

This article was written by Legal Beagle staff. If you have any questions, please reach out to us on our contact us page.

Related Articles

• Why Would Being Self Employed Not Excuse You From Jury Duty?
• How to Get Excused From Jury Duty
• Ways to Get Out of Jury Duty in Texas

United States District Court

District of minnesota, honorable patrick j. schiltz, chief judge | kate m. fogarty, clerk of court, search form.

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Excuse and postponement requests.

1. How do I submit a request for Excuse?

To request to be excused from jury service fill out the Jury Information Form, located at the bottom of the summons, or on-line using eJuror.

Upon request, the Jury Clerk may excuse the following occupational classes or groups of people from jury service:

• Persons over 70 years of age.
• Persons who served as a Grand or Petit Juror in the last two (2) years.
• Persons having active care of a child or children under 10 years of age whose health and/or safety would be jeopardized by the jury service, or a person who is essential to the care of aged or infirm person(s).
• Persons who serve without compensation as a volunteer firefighter or member of a rescue squad or ambulance crew for a federal, state or local government agency.

IMPORTANT:  Requests for excusal must be submitted in writing by the person summoned (not your employer). Requests for excusal must be submitted before you receive a Notice to Report; the Jury Clerk cannot grant you an excuse once you have been issued a Notice to Report.

2. How do I submit a request to postpone my jury service?

To request to be postponed from jury service fill out the Jury Information Form, located at the bottom of the summons, or on-line using eJuror.

Upon request, the Jury Clerk may grant postponement of jury service for the following:

• Persons with a health problem.
• Persons who are enrolled as a full-time student. You must provide an unofficial copy of your transcript.
• Persons with other extenuating circumstances.

Write a letter or send an email stating specifically why you need to be postponed or use the Excuse/Postpone/Partial Excuse option in eJuror to submit your request. Please include the date that you will be available.

IMPORTANT:  Requests for postponement must be submitted in writing by the person summoned (not your employer). Requests for postponement must be submitted before you receive a Notice to Report; the Jury Clerk cannot grant you postponement once you have been issued a Notice to Report.

The Law Dictionary

Your Free Online Legal Dictionary • Featuring Black’s Law Dictionary, 2nd Ed.

Best Way to Write a Jury Duty Excuse Letter

Each state has its own guidelines regarding what is a legitimate excuse for jury duty. Federal courts have different guidelines for exemption than state courts. Given these facts, the best way to be excused from jury duty starts with reading the jury service notice you received.

Look for any acceptable exemptions listed on the notice of service. The instructions may be to write a letter to the court explaining how you qualify for one of its exemptions. Some courts may require that their own legal form be completed.

Exemption from Federal Court Cases

Federal court exemptions from jury duty are:

1) Those in active duty in the armed forces 2) People employed as police officers or firefighters 3) Public officials

Exemption from State Court Cases

Keep in mind that each state court has its own unique qualifications for exemption from jury duty. These are just some common examples.

1) Breastfeeding mothers 2) People over a certain age such as 70 or 80 3) Medical issues 4) Work-related issues 6) Financial issues 7) Family issues

Best Way to Write a Professional Letter to a Judge

Writing the Jury Duty Excuse Letter

Remember that a request to be excused from jury duty is up to the courts. Your request may be approved or denied. Each request is considered on a case-by-case basis. The courts will notify you by mail or by telephone regarding its decision.

If your request is work-related, explain how jury duty will disrupt the workplace. Perhaps you are employed by a small business or are self-employed.

If you are the sole caretaker of a seriously or chronically ill relative and can provide proof from a doctor, your request to be excused from jury duty may be honored.

Jury duty often does not pay as much as a person earns at their job. If serving on a jury will put you or your family in financial risk, explain this to the courts in detail.

If you have your own medical condition that requires treatment throughout the day using equipment that cannot be taken to court, your request to be excused may be approved. Your doctor will need to provide documentation to support your claim.

In summary, the best way to write a jury excuse letter is to detail how you would suffer hardship related to jury duty and to relate the hardship to one of the exemptions.

This article contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. The Law Dictionary is not a law firm, and this page does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.

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You may request a postponement of your jury service by submitting a written request within seven (7) calendar days of receipt of your jury summons. This will allow the court sufficient time to provide a written response. Please state your reason for requesting a postponement and the earliest time you will be available. Unless you receive a written response from the court, you must continue to follow the instructions you receive from the 800# jury information line or the  eJuror Reporting Web . You may submit your written request for a postponement as follows:  

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Travel Hardship Transfer

Families of high school students may request a school transfer if the students commute from home to school is at least 75 minutes or is otherwise inaccessible by public transportation (defined as more than three transfers, and/or more than three modes of transportation).

Compare train and bus time on http://tripplanner.mta.info to determine travel time. In some cases, bus time is less than train time and a travel transfer will be either granted or denied based on the travel time regardless of the method of travel.

To request a transfer due to travel hardship families should get two documents, showing proof of address .

Next, the family should visit a Family Welcome Center or Back to School Locations  to request the transfer and discuss available options. Be aware, transfers are not guaranteed and are subject to available seats

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Sample Hardship Letters

Get Hardship Letter Examples for Your Situation

Jury Duty Hardship Letter

Below is a sample hardship letter for jury duty :

IMPORTANT: DO NOT COPY THIS LETTER EXACTLY. PLEASE USE YOUR OWN WORDS.

=========================================

[COURT NAME AND ADDRESS]

Dear [NAME],

I have received your letter of [DATE] summoning me to jury duty on [DATES]. Although I am honored by the privilege, I respectfully request that I be excused from jury duty.

[STATE REASON(S): for example … ] My employer will be unable to pay me during my absence for jury duty. This will severely affect my financial position. If necessary, I can provide a statement from my employer.]

Please understand my position and excuse me from jury duty at this time. You may contact me at [PHONE NUMBER] if there are any concerns.

[YOUR SIGNATURE]

[YOUR NAME, ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER]

———————————- And here’s another example … ———————————-

{Your Name} {Your Address} {Your Phone Number}

{Courthouse Name} {Clerk of the Court} {Address}

To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing to request dismissal from jury duty for {date}. While I understand the need and importance of this responsibility, I ask for the dismissal due to extreme financial hardship that would only be exacerbated by this situation.

I have been struggling to find employment for the last few years due to {layoffs, disability, taking care of child.} I have recently been hired at in a stable position. If it works out I will be able to {pay my mortgage, pay off debt, etc.} but if not I may lose my car or even my house.

My new employers have stated unequivocally that I am required to be at work on that day, as I am the only person qualified to perform {duties.} They will not pay me my wages if I am at jury duty, and as I mentioned before, I am already on the brink of bankruptcy. I am working hard to rebuild my life, but my situation is still tenuous at this point.

I am attaching financial stubs, bank statements and an affidavit from my employer for your review.

Thank you for your time and consideration. Please contact me at your earliest convenience.

{Sender Name}

Hardship Letter Due To Medical Condition Sample: Free & Effective

In this article, I will guide you step-by-step on how to write a compelling hardship letter due to a medical condition, including customizable templates .

Key Takeaways: Personal Experience: Insights from my journey of writing hardship letters due to medical conditions. Step-by-Step Guide: A comprehensive guide to crafting an effective hardship letter for medical situations. Free Template: A practical and adaptable template for your own hardship letter. Real-Life Examples: Lessons learned from real examples in various scenarios.

These letters are not just documents; they are narratives of personal struggles, hopes, and the pursuit of understanding in times of adversity. 

In this article, I’ll share my experiences, offer a step-by-step guide, and provide a template to help you write your own hardship letter.

My Personal Journey with Hardship Letters

The emotional aspect.

Writing a hardship letter was a journey filled with mixed emotions. It was challenging to balance the rawness of my experiences with the need to be clear and concise. I learned that expressing my situation honestly, while focusing on the key facts, was crucial.

Key Elements I Included:

• Detailed medical diagnosis: Clarity about the medical condition.
• Impact on my life: How the condition affected my daily activities and work.
• Financial implications: The financial strain caused by medical expenses.

The Writing Process

Trending now: find out why.

The process taught me the importance of structure and clarity. A well-organized letter made my case stronger and more understandable to the recipient.

Step-by-Step Guide: Writing a Hardship Letter Due to Medical Condition

• Start with your name, address, and contact information.
• Clearly state the purpose of the letter.
• Briefly explain your medical condition with relevant details.
• Include dates and specifics about your diagnosis and treatment.
• Detail how the condition has impacted your life, especially financially.
• Include any loss of income or increased expenses.
• Attach medical reports, bills, or any relevant documents.
• Clearly state what you are asking for (e.g., financial assistance, payment plan).
• Express gratitude for the consideration.

Sample Hardship Letter for Medical Bills

[Your Full Name] [Your Address] [City, State, Zip Code] [Email Address] [Phone Number] [Date]

[Recipient’s Name or Institution] [Recipient’s Address (if applicable)] [City, State, Zip Code]

Subject: Request for [Specific Assistance or Consideration] due to Medical Hardship

Dear [Recipient’s Name or Sir/Madam],

I am writing to you today to seek [specific assistance, e.g., financial relief, loan modification, payment extension] due to a significant medical hardship that has impacted my life and financial stability.

I was diagnosed with [Your Medical Condition] on [Date of Diagnosis]. Since then, I have undergone [mention any surgeries, treatments, or hospital stays] which have not only been physically and emotionally draining but have also put me in a difficult financial position.

Despite having [health insurance or other coverage, if applicable], I am facing substantial medical bills, and my condition has affected my ability to work, resulting in a loss of income.

The financial burden of my medical expenses, coupled with my reduced income, has made it extremely challenging to meet my [financial obligations, daily living expenses, etc.]. I have attached detailed documentation, including medical records and bills, to provide a clear understanding of my situation.

Given these circumstances, I respectfully request [your specific request, e.g., a reduced payment plan, debt forgiveness, grant assistance]. This support would significantly alleviate my financial burden and allow me to focus more on my recovery and health.

I assure you of my commitment to [maintain payments at a reduced rate, adhere to any new terms or conditions, etc.] once an agreement is reached. I am hopeful for a favorable response and am open to discussing any options you may suggest.

Thank you very much for your time and consideration of my situation. I look forward to your understanding and a positive response. Please feel free to contact me at [your phone number] or [your email address] should you need any further information or clarification.

[Your Name]

Attachments:

Medical Records Detailed Medical Bills Proof of Income (if applicable) [Any other relevant documents]

Real-Life Examples

I came across several instances where individuals successfully navigated these challenges. One memorable case involved a person battling cancer, who effectively communicated their situation, leading to significant medical bill reductions.

Writing a hardship letter due to a medical condition is a deeply personal and challenging task. It’s a blend of factual reporting and personal storytelling. Remember, your letter is not just a plea; it’s a reflection of your resilience and determination.

I’d love to hear from you! If you have experiences or tips to share about writing hardship letters for medical conditions, please leave a comment below.

Related Posts

• 3 Key Templates for Medical Hardship Appeals
• Sample Hardship Letter Due To Medical Condition: Free & Help
• Medical Hardship Transfer Letter Sample: Free & Customizable

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How Can I Explain My Medical Condition’s Impact on My Finances in a Hardship Letter?

Answer: In my hardship letter, I emphasized the direct link between my medical condition and my financial struggles. I explained how the unexpected medical expenses and my inability to work due to the illness created a financial burden. 

I provided specific details, like the cost of treatments and the loss of income, to clearly illustrate the impact on my finances.

Q: What Essential Information Should I Include About My Medical Condition in the Hardship Letter?

Answer: In my letter, I included key information about my medical condition without going into unnecessary details. I mentioned the diagnosis, the treatment period, and how it affected my ability to earn a living. 

It was important to focus on the relevance of the medical condition to my financial hardship rather than the medical details.

Q: How Can I Make My Hardship Letter Due to Medical Condition More Persuasive?

Answer: To make my hardship letter more persuasive, I backed up my statements with tangible evidence. This included medical bills, a letter from my doctor, and any relevant medical records. 

I made sure to connect these documents to the financial challenges I was facing, showing a clear cause-and-effect relationship.

Q: Should I Mention How I’ve Tried to Mitigate the Financial Impact of My Medical Condition?

Answer: Absolutely. In my letter, I outlined the steps I had already taken to mitigate the financial impact, such as cutting unnecessary expenses, seeking temporary assistance, or even negotiating payment plans.  This showed that I was proactive and responsible, which strengthened my case.

Q: How Can I Express My Commitment to Resolving the Financial Situation in the Letter?

Answer: In my hardship letter, I clearly expressed my commitment to resolving the financial situation. I outlined a realistic plan for how I intended to manage my debts once my health improved. 

This included a budget plan or a timeline for returning to work, demonstrating my willingness and ability to overcome the financial hardship.

Related Articles

Sample hardship letter for loan modification: free & effective, breaking a lease due to financial hardship sample: free & effective, medical hardship transfer letter sample: free & customizable, sample hardship letter for loss of income: free & effective, hardship letter for hoa fees sample: free & effective, free hardship letter for mortgage modification sample, 2 thoughts on “hardship letter due to medical condition sample: free & effective”.

This article is a lifesaver! Your detailed guide and personal touch provide invaluable help for those struggling to articulate their medical hardships. Thank you for making a complex process so much clearer and more manageable!

I appreciate the detailed step-by-step approach to writing an effective hardship letter. It’s clear, concise, and very helpful for anyone in a similar situation.

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COVID-19: 90 Day Postponement Frequently Asked Questions

Do entries in which the broker acts as the importer of record (ior) qualify for the 90 day postponed payment if the broker does not qualify for the significant financial hardship.

No. The determination of who qualifies for the 90-day postponement is based on the party identified as the IOR on the entry. IORs who meet the criteria identified for significant financial hardship due to COVID-19, as outlined in the  Temporary Final Rule  and   CSMS 42423171 , and whose entries do not include AD/CVD or Trade Remedy duties, are eligible for the 90-day postponed payment. A broker acting as the IOR must meet the criteria for significant financial hardship in order to postpone payments under 19 C.F.R. § 24.1a. 

Do entries imported by an IOR that meets the significant financial hardship criteria outlined in the Temporary Final Rule and paid on a broker monthly or daily statement qualify for the 90-day postponement?

Entries imported by an IOR that meets the significant financial hardship criteria and do not include AD, CVD or Trade Remedy duties are eligible for the 90-day postponement and may be removed from the broker statement.

Does an entry that has merchandise that was granted an exclusion from a Trade Remedy qualify for the 90-day postponement?

Merchandise granted an exclusion from Trade Remedy duties qualifies for the 90-day postponed payment. The exclusion must be in effect at the time of entry. Merchandise that benefits from the retroactive application of exclusions after the time of entry are not eligible for the 90-day duty postponement. Entries with any merchandise subject to AD/CVD, Section 201, 232 or 301 Trade Remedy duties are not eligible for the 90-day postponement. 

If the IOR is a wholesaler who sells to retailers whose operations are suspended due to COVID19, will the IOR’s entries be eligible for the 90-day postponement?

The wholesaler IOR must meet the significant financial hardship criteria in order to be eligible for the 90-day postponement. It is the IOR’s responsibility to substantiate its own significant financial hardship.

Are entries filed in March that were scheduled for daily statement but not paid eligible for the 90-day postponement?

As a general rule, CBP offices will exercise discretion and flexibility in working with importers in light of the COVID-19 impacts. This temporary postponement applies to formal entries of merchandise entered, or withdrawn from warehouse, for consumption (including entries for consumption from a Foreign Trade Zone) in March or April 2020 where estimated duties, taxes, and fees have not been paid. Entries in this scope that have not been paid due to significant financial hardship will qualify for the 90-day postponement, if they satisfy all other requirements. Entries for which a payment was made but had insufficient funds are not eligible for the 90-day postponement. 

Can CBP confirm what the term ‘made’ covers?

The TFR reads (page 10, under the new wording in §24.1a(a)(1)) “This temporary postponement applies only to entries, or withdrawals from warehouse, for consumption, made on or after March 1, 2020…” (emphasis added). 

The temporary postponement applies to merchandise entered, or withdrawn from warehouse or foreign trade zone, for consumption in March or April 2020. The time of entry, pursuant to 19 C.F.R. § 141.68, establishes when an entry for consumption is made.

In the below scenario, can the broker put an entry BACK on a monthly statement subject to the 90-day postponement?

An entry covered on the Periodic Monthly Statement (PMS) that printed on 4/15/2020 and due to be withdrawn on 4/21/2020, the broker removed the entry from the PMS and changed it to a Pay Type 1 (single pay) over the last few days.

Yes, in the situation in which an entry was removed from a PMS and designated as a single pay, the broker can designated it for a future statement, assuming all eligibility criteria are met.

If payment of the estimated duties is deferred, can you still claim drawback against the entry summary during that deferral period? Does ACE prevent you from doing so or must you know not to make the claim?

No, a drawback claim should not be filed. Drawback claims may be liquidated only after estimated duties are deposited with CBP in accordance with 19 C.F.R. § 190.81(a)(2) and (b). CBP is advising that filers delaying duty payment during the 90 day postponement period due to financial hardships, should not file any drawback claims; accelerated or non-accelerated, until payments have been properly made on the import entry(s), this includes. Drawback claims may be filed up to 5 years after the date of importation of the merchandise that is identified or designated as the basis for the drawback claim.

Does the 90 day postponement apply to the Cotton Fee assessed on all imports of cotton and cotton products?

Yes, the 90-day postponement applies to the Cotton Fee.

What is meant by “gross receipts” as part of the significant hardship criteria?

CBP is adopting the definition of “gross receipts” used at 26 CFR 1.993-6.

One criteria for allowing a Post Summary Correction (PSC) is that it is “fully paid.” Does this mean that a PSC would not be allowed on an entry that has duty postponed until after the duty is paid 90 days later?

Correct. A PSC cannot be filed on an entry summary until it is paid.

CSMS 42423171 section ENTRIES NOT ELIGIBLE FOR THE 90-DAY POSTPONEMENT states, “This authorization only applies to entries that have not yet been filed; it does not apply to entries that have already been filed.” Please explain.

The submission of separate entries to segregate eligible merchandise from ineligible merchandise applies to entries that have not yet been filed. Filers should not cancel entries previously filed in order to refile new entries in order to take advantage of the 90-day postponement.

Are Reconciliation entries (Entry type 09) eligible for the 90-day postponement?

No. The 90-day postponement applies to formal entries of merchandise entered, or withdrawn from warehouse, for consumption (including entries for consumption from a Foreign Trade Zone) in March 2020 or April 2020.

With respect to entries with merchandise subject to AD/CVD, is merchandise considered to be “subject” if no AD duty is assessed? Similarly, if there is an AD/CVD case established but a zero rate applies, do these goods fall under the term “subject?”

Entries that are subject to an AD/CVD case with no rate yet established, or with a zero rate applicable, are not eligible for the 90-day postponement.

Entries that are subject to an AD/CVD case with no rate yet established, or with a zero rate applicable, are not eligible for the 90-day postponement. 

Does the broker need to have something in writing from the importer to confirm hardship?

An importer who meets the significant financial hardship criteria does not need to file documentation with CBP to be eligible for this relief but must maintain documentation as part of its books and records establishing that it meets the requirements for relief. It is up to the broker if they choose to secure documentation from the importer confirming hardship.