Keefer v. Commissioner of Social Security Administration

Filing 25

ORDER granting 22 First MOTION for Attorney Fees Under EAJA, awarding fees in the amount of $2,962.97. Signed by Magistrate Judge Shiva V. Hodges on 01/05/2017.(bshr, )

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE DISTRICT OF SOUTH CAROLINA
Gregory Wayne Keefer,
Plaintiff,
vs.
Carolyn W. Colvin, Acting

Commissioner of Social Security
Administration,
Defendant.

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C/A No.: 1:15-4738-SVH

ORDER

This matter is before the court on Plaintiff’s motion for attorney’s fees. [ECF No.
22]. The parties consented to the undersigned’s disposition of this case [ECF No. 16], and
on August 31, 2016, the matter was referred to the undersigned by order of the Honorable
Timothy M. Cain [ECF No. 17]. On September 30, 2016, the court reversed the
Commissioner’s decision denying Plaintiff’s claims for Disability Insurance Benefits and
remanded the case to the Commissioner for further proceedings. [ECF No. 20]. Plaintiff
then filed and documented a request for attorney’s fees in the amount of $2,962.97
pursuant to the Equal Access to Justice Act, 28 U.S.C. § 2412 (“the EAJA”). [ECF No.
22]. The Commissioner filed a response in support of Plaintiff’s motion. [ECF No. 23].
Accordingly, the court grants the motion and directs the Commissioner to pay Plaintiff
the sum of $2,962.97. 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. § 406(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 fees to be
made payable to Plaintiff and mailed to the business address of Plaintiff’s counsel.1
IT IS SO ORDERED.

January 5, 2017
Columbia, South Carolina

Shiva V. Hodges
United States Magistrate Judge

1

Plaintiff’s counsel may disburse these funds to satisfy valid liens or in accordance with
a lawful assignment.
2