Hale v. Social Security Administration

Opinion

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF ARKANSAS CENTRAL DIVISION CHRISTINA HALE PLAINTIFF

Case No. 4:23-cv-00314-JTK

KILOLO KIJAKAZI DEFENDANT Acting Commissioner Social Security ORDER Before the Court is Plaintiff's Motion for Attorney’s Fees pursuant to the Equal Access to Justice Act (““EAJA”). (Doc. No. 16) Plaintiff requests a total of $4,581.50 in attorney’s fees (Doc. No. 16) Defendant does not object to this award. (Doc. No. 17) After careful consideration, the Court finds that Plaintiff should be awarded reasonable attorney’s fees. EAJA fees are payable to Plaintiff, not Plaintiff's attorney, and such fees are subject to an offset when the Plaintiff has outstanding federal debts. See Astrue v. Ratliff, 560 U.S. 586, 589 (2010). Therefore, subject to any offset, payment by check to the order of the Plaintiff, in care of his attorney, will issue to Plaintiff's attorney. Accordingly, the Motion for Attorney’s Fees pursuant to the EAJA (Doc. No. 16) is GRANTED. Plaintiff is awarded $4,581.50. SO ORDERED THIS 6th day of May, 2024. :

JEROMET.KEARNEY —— UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE