---
title: "Waive Application Fees"
slug: "waive-application-fees"
updated: 2026-04-15T03:03:08Z
published: 2026-04-15T03:03:08Z
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://knowledge.technolutions.net/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Waive Application Fees

In your Slate-hosted application, you might include a custom bit field ("Yes" or "No") called *Fee Waiver*.

When an applicant selects *Yes*for this field, Slate should act behind the scenes to waive their requirement to pay a fee upon submission of their application. To make that happen, you'll create a **fee waiver rule**.

#### Do I need a fee *and* a fee waiver?

- Adding a fee, only to waive it later on, creates a short delay for the applicant.
- It may be simpler to charge only the subset of applicants that need to pay a fee.
- To add fees only to applicants in specific programs or rounds, see [Example B in the Charge an Application Fee article](/docs/add-or-waive-application-fees#example-b-program-or-roundspecific-fees).

## Creating the bit field

To create the Fee Waiver bit field:

1. From the main navigation, select **Database.**
2. Select **Fields**under Records and Datasets.
3. Click **New Field.**A popup appears.
4. Configure the following settings:
  - **Status:**Active
  - **Scope Category:** Records
  - **Scope:** Application
  - **ID:** fee_waiver
  - **Name:** Fee Waiver
  - **Folder:** Keep fields organized by placing them in folders. Create a new folder by selecting *Other* and entering a name.
  - **Field Type:** Bit
5. Click **Save.**

![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/cd8ea7a6-07f3-4846-a554-627ac016d3e3/Images/Documentation/Fee Waiver Bit Field.png)

## Creating the rule

1. Select **Database** from the main navigation.
2. Select **Rules**under Automations.
3. Click **New Rule***.* A popup appears.
4. Configure the following settings:
  - **Name:** Application Fee Waiver
  - **Base:** Applications
  - **Type:** Activity
  - **Trigger:** Upon Update (Deferred)
  - **Folder:**Keep rules organized by placing them in folders. Create a new folder by selecting *Other* and entering a name.
  - **Exclusivity Group:** None
  - **Status:** Preview
5. Click **Save**. You are redirected to the Edit Rule page.

![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/cd8ea7a6-07f3-4846-a554-627ac016d3e3/Images/Documentation/Application Fee Waiver Rule.png)

1. Under**Action,** configure the following settings:
  - **Filter:**Select *Fee Waiver*, a filter based on the custom bit field created earlier.
  - **Code:** Payment
  - **Payment Type**: Payment Waived
  - **Payment Amount (USD)**: Enter the amount due upon application submission.
  - **Payment Account**: Select the appropriate payment account. Typically the payment account is *Application Fee.*
2. Click **Save.**

![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/cd8ea7a6-07f3-4846-a554-627ac016d3e3/Images/Documentation/Application Fee Waiver Rule - Action.png)

> [!WARNING]
> The applicant may experience a short delay before the fee waiver is applied.