Gibson v. Commissioner of Social Security Administration

Filing 26

ORDER granting 24 Motion for Attorney Fees per Rule 406b awarding attorney fees in the amount of $5,500 and costs of $400.00. Signed by Magistrate Judge Shiva V. Hodges on 02/23/2017.(bshr, )

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IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF SOUTH CAROLINA Vernanza C. Gibson, Plaintiff, vs. Commissioner of Social Security Administration, Defendant. ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) C/A No.: 1:16-664-SVH ORDER This matter is before the court on Plaintiff’s motion for attorney’s fees. [ECF No. 24]. The parties consented to the undersigned’s disposition of this case. [ECF No. 8], and on July 14, 2016, the matter was referred to the undersigned by order of the Honorable Bruce Howe Hendricks [ECF No. 9]. On December 13, 2016, the court reversed the Commissioner’s decision that had denied Plaintiff’s claims for Disability Insurance Benefits and Supplemental Security Income. [ECF No. 22]. Plaintiff then filed and documented a request totaling $6,490 for fees, costs, and expenses pursuant to the Equal Access to Justice Act, 28 U.S.C. § 2412 (“the EAJA”). [ECF No. 24]. The Commissioner filed a stipulation by and between the parties to an attorney fee of $5,500 and costs of $400. [ECF No. 25]. Accordingly, the court grants Plaintiff’s motion and directs the Commissioner to pay Plaintiff the stipulated sum of $5,900. 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. February 23, 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

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