Kertz v. Social Security Administration

Opinion

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT EASTERN DISTRICT OF ARKANSAS CENTRAL DIVISION JASON KERTZ PLAINTIFF

VS. NO. 4:21-cv-00446 PSH

KILOLO KIJAKAZI, ACTING COMMISSIONER OF SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION DEFENDANT

ORDER

Now before the Court is plaintiff Jason Kertz’s (“Kertz”) motion for attorney’s fees pursuant to the Equal Access to Justice Act (“EAJA”), 28 U.S.C. § 2412 (Doc. No. 21). Defendant Kilolo Kijakazi (“Kijakazi”) does not oppose the motion. The motion is GRANTED, and an EAJA award in the amount of $5,426.08

($5,396.50 in fees and $29.58 in expenses) is approved. Kijakazi also does not object to Kertz’s request for reimbursement of the filing fee, $402.00, to be paid from the judgment fund. There is nothing unreasonable about the hours of work performed or

the hourly rate requested. Because the award belongs to Kertz, and not his attorney, as set forth in Astrue v. Ratliff, 560 U.S. 586 (2010), the Department of Treasury shall issue payment of this award by check made payable to Kertz, in care of his attorney, 1 Nicholas Lynn Coleman, and shall mail the check to Mr. Coleman at his Bentonville, Arkansas, address. IT IS SO ORDERED this 3rd day of June, 2022.

UNITED STATES JUDGE