Michael A. Mason v. Frank Bisignano, Commissioner of Social Security

• Court: District Court, S.D. Illinois
• Decided: December 9, 2025
• Docket: 3:25-cv-00699
• Status: Unknown

Opinion

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF ILLINOIS

MICHAEL A. MASON,

Plaintiff,

v. Case No. 25-CV-00699-SPM

FRANK BISIGNANO, Commissioner of Social Security,

Defendant. ORDER FOR ATTORNEY FEES McGLYNN, District Judge: This matter is before the Court on a Joint Motion for Attorney Fees Pursuant to the Equal Access to Justice Act, 28 U.S.C. § 2412(d) (hereinafter EAJA) filed by Plaintiff Michael A. Mason and Defendant Commissioner of Social Security. (Doc. 19). The parties move for entry of an agreed order granting Plaintiff Mason $5,838.89 for attorney fees and expenses in this case. (Id.). The Court finds that Plaintiff is the prevailing party and is entitled to an award of attorney fees pursuant to the EAJA. The Court further finds that the amount sought is reasonable and appropriate. This award shall fully and completely satisfy any and all claims for fees and expenses that may have been payable to Plaintiff in this matter pursuant to the EAJA, 28 U.S.C. § 2412. Per the parties’ agreement, this motion does not include Plaintiff’s costs, and Plaintiff may file a separate bill of costs. The Plaintiff’s Motion for Attorney Fees (Doc. 19) is GRANTED. The Court awards Plaintiff attorney fees and expenses in the amount of $5,838.89 (five thousand eight hundred thirty-eight dollars and eighty-nine cents). The amount awarded is payable to Plaintiff and is subject to set-off for any

debt owed by Plaintiff to the United States in accordance with Astrue v. Ratliff, 560 U.S. 586 (2010). See also Harrington v. Berryhill, 906 F.3d 561 (7th Cir. 2018). However, any part of the award that is not subject to set-off to pay Plaintiff’s pre- existing debt to the United States shall be made payable to Plaintiff’s attorney pursuant to the EAJA assignment executed by Plaintiff. If Defendant can verify that Plaintiff does not owe a pre-existing debt to the government subject to the offset,

Defendant will direct that the award be made payable to Meredith Marcus pursuant to the EAJA assignment duly signed by Plaintiff. If payment is mailed, as compared to electronically deposited, it shall be mailed to counsel’s address of record: Osterhout Berger Daley 4256 N Ravenswood Ave Suite 104 Chicago, IL 60613

IT IS SO ORDERED. DATED: December 9, 2025

s/ Stephen P. McGlynn STEPHEN P. McGLYNN U.S. District Judge