Garrett v. Social Security Administration

Filing 16

ORDER granting 14 motion for attorney fees. The EAJA fee award is payable to Mr. Garrett, in the care of and mailed to his counsel, but subject to any offset to satisfy any pre-existing debt owed to the United States. The Commissioner shall certify this award. Signed by Judge Kristine G. Baker on 07/15/2014. (rhm)

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF ARKANSAS
WESTERN DIVISION
DAVID LYNN GARRETT
v.

PLAINTIFF
Case No. 4:12-cv-00372-KGB

CAROLYN W. COLVIN, Acting Commissioner,
Social Security Administration

DEFENDANT

ORDER
Before the Court is plaintiff David Lynn Garrett’s motion for attorney’s fee, costs, and
expenses pursuant to the Equal Access to Justice Act (“EAJA”), 28 U.S.C. § 2412(a) (Dkt. No.
14). The Commissioner responded and does not object to the fees and costs requested (Dkt. No.
15). The Commissioner requests that the fees and costs requested, if any are awarded, be made
payable to Mr. Garrett, in the care of and mailed to his attorney, subject to any offset to satisfy
any pre-existing federal debt, pursuant to the Social Security Administration’s common practice
and Astrue v. Ratliff, 560 U.S. 586, 589 (2010). Mr. Garrett has not responded or objected to the
Commissioner’s request.
For good cause shown, Mr. Garrett’s motion is granted (Dkt. No. 14). The Court finds
that the hours spent by counsel were reasonable. Therefore, the Court approves attorney’s fees
and costs in the amount of $5,231.23. The EAJA fee award is payable to Mr. Garrett, in the care
of and mailed to his counsel, but subject to any offset to satisfy any pre-existing debt owed to the
United States. The Commissioner shall certify this award.
SO ORDERED this the 15th day of July, 2014.

______________________________
Kristine G. Baker
United States District Judge