Moepono v. O'Malley

Opinion

Misty M., 2:24-cv-00323-MDC Plaintiff(s), ORDER vs.

Martin O'Malley, Commissioner of Social Security, Defendant(s). Before the court are plaintiff Misty M.’s motion/application to proceed in forma pauperis (IFP) and complaint. ECF Nos. 1 and 1-1. This is a social security appeal and plaintiff is represented by counsel. The Court grants plaintiff’s IFP application. I. Whether Plaintiff May Proceed in Forma Pauperis Plaintiff Misty M. asserts in her application to proceed in forma pauperis that she is currently unemployed and that she receives $280 a month in public assistance and her spouse receives $292 per month in benefits. ECF No. 1. Plaintiff states that she is homeless. Id. Plaintiff’s request to proceed in forma pauperis is granted. II. Whether Plaintiff’s Complaint States a Plausible Claim a. Legal Standard Upon granting a request to proceed in forma pauperis, a court must additionally screen a complaint pursuant to § 1915(e). Federal courts are given the authority to dismiss a case if the action is legally “frivolous or malicious,” fails to state a claim upon which relief may be granted or seeks monetary relief from a defendant who is immune from such relief. See § 1915(e)(2). “To survive a motion to dismiss, a 1 complaint must contain sufficient factual matter, accepted as true, to state a claim to relief that is plausible on its face.” Ashcroft v. Iqbal, 556 U.S. 662, 678 (2009) (internal quotations and citation omitted). In considering whether the plaintiff has stated a claim upon which relief can be granted, all material allegations in the complaint are accepted as true and are to be construed in the light most favorable to the plaintiff. Russell v. Landrieu, 621 F.2d 1037, 1039 (9th Cir. 1980). When a court dismisses a complaint under § 1915(e), the plaintiff should be given leave to amend the complaint with directions as to curing its deficiencies, unless it is clear from the face of the complaint that the deficiencies could not be cured by amendment. See Cato v. United States, 70 F.3d 1103, 1106 (9th Cir. 1995) (citation omitted). b. Complaint Plaintiff’s complaint arises from an unfavorable decision by the Commissioner of Social Security Administration. ECF No. 1. Plaintiff asserts that she is disabled as that term is defined in the Social Security Act, and that she filed an application for disability insurance benefits. Id. The Commissioner denied the application both upon initial review and reconsideration. Id. Plaintiff participated in a hearing before the ALJ, and the ALJ issued a decision also denying plaintiff’s claim for benefits. Id. The Appeals Counsel denied plaintiff’s request for a review of the ALJ’s decision, making the Commissioner’s decision final. Id. Plaintiff has appealed the decision of the Commissioner to this court, and requests that this court reverse that decision, or in the alternative remand this matter for a new hearing. Id. Plaintiff may appeal to this court the Commissioner’s denial of her application for Disability Insurance Benefits under Title II of the Social Security Act. See 42 U.S.C. §§ 401-433. This court has jurisdiction over the matter. Id. Construing plaintiff’s allegations in light most favorable to plaintiff, the court finds that plaintiff has asserted a claim upon which relief can be granted. See Russell, 621 F.2d at 1039. ACCORDINGLY, and for good cause shown, 2 IT IS ORDERED that plaintiffs application to proceed in forma pauperis (ECF No. 1) is GRANTED. Plaintiff is permitted to maintain this action without the necessity of prepayment of fees or costs or the giving of security. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the Clerk of the Court file the complaint (ECF No. 1-1). The complaint shall be served on the Commissioner in accordance with Rule 3 of the Supplemental Rules for Social Security Actions under 42 U.S.C. § 405(g). IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that once a defendant is served, plaintiff must serve a copy of every pleading or other document submitted for consideration by the court upon the defendant or, if an appearance has been entered by counsel, upon the attorney. Plaintiff must include with the original of each document to be filed with the court a certificate stating that a true and correct copy of the document was served on the defendant, or counsel, if the defendant has an attorney. Under Local Rule 5-1 the proof of service must show the day and manner of service and the name of the person served. The court may disregard any paper received which has not been filed with the Clerk, or that fails to include a certificate of service. Ay a IT IS SO ORDERED. Af / A

DATED this 22nd day of February 2024. I, JO ff tf jf i 4 saa United StatesyMagistrate Judge