Jackson v. Commissioner of Social Security Administration

Opinion

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF SOUTH CAROLINA

Odessa Jackson, ) C/A No.: 1:19-2683-SVH ) Plaintiff, ) ) vs. ) ) ORDER Andrew M. Saul, ) Commissioner of Social Security ) Administration, ) ) Defendant. ) )

This matter is before the court on Plaintiff’s motion for attorneys’ fees. [ECF No. 28]. The parties consented to the undersigned’s disposition of this case [ECF No. 24], and on August 10, 2020, the matter was referred to the undersigned by order of the Honorable David C. Norton, United States District Judge [ECF No. 25]. On August 19, 2020, the court reversed the Commissioner’s decision that had denied Plaintiff’s claims for Disability Insurance Benefits. [ECF No. 26]. Plaintiff then filed and documented, pursuant to the Equal Access to Justice Act, 28 U.S.C. § 2412 (“the EAJA”), a request totaling $8,476.80 for attorneys’ fees and $400.00 for costs representing the filing fee. [ECF No. 28]. The parties subsequently filed a stipulation indicating agreement to attorneys’ fees of $8,000.00 and costs of $400.00. [ECF No. 29]. Accordingly, the court grants Plaintiff’s motion [ECF No. 28], as modified pursuant to the parties’ stipulation [ECF No. 29], and directs the Commissioner to pay Plaintiff a total of $8,400.00, with $8,000 representing attorney fees and $400.00 representing costs under the EAJA. Such payment shall constitute a complete release from and bar to any and all further claims that Plaintiff may have under the EAJA to fees, costs, and

expenses incurred in connection with disputing the Commissioner’s decision. This award is without prejudice to the rights of Plaintiff's counsel to seek attorney fees under section 206(b) of the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. § A406(b), subject to the offset provisions of the EAJA. Under Astrue v. Ratliff 130 S.Ct. 2521, 2528-29 (2010), EAJA fees awarded by this court belong to Plaintiff and are subject to offset under the Treasury Offset Program (31 U.S.C. § 3716(c)(3)(B) (2006)). Therefore, the court orders the EAJA fee to be made payable to Plaintiff and mailed to the business address of Plaintiffs counsel.! IT IS SO ORDERED. pon November 19, 2020 Shiva V. Hodges Columbia, South Carolina United States Magistrate Judge

Plaintiff's counsel may disburse these funds to satisfy valid lens or in accordance with a lawful assignment and may distribute earned fees to any attorney who assisted in drafting briefs in accordance with Priestley v. Astrue, 651 F.3d 410 (4th Cir. 2010).