Jeffords v. Commissioner of the Social Security Administration

Filing 27

ORDER granting 24 Motion for Attorney Fees and costs pursuant to the Equal Access to Justice Act, 28 U.S.C. § 2412 in the amount of $3,200.31 for fees and $22.46 for expenses. Signed by Honorable Mary Geiger Lewis on 7/19/2018.(asni, )

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE DISTRICT OF SOUTH CAROLINA
ORANGEBURG DIVISION

MARY ELLEN JEFFORDS,

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Plaintiff,
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vs.
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NANCY A. BERRYHILL,
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ACTING
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COMMISSIONER OF SOCIAL
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SECURITY ADMINISTRATION,
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Defendant.
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____________________________________)

Civil Action No: 5:17-00640-MGL
ORDER

On July 16, 2018, Counsel for the Plaintiff, Paul T. McChesney, filed a motion for
attorney’s fees and expenses pursuant to the Equal Access to Justice Act (EAJA), 28 U.S.C. §
2412. ECF No. 24. The motion seeks reimbursement for counsel’s representation in the captioned
matter in the amount of $3,200.31 for fees (5.0 hours of attorney time at $192.50 per hour, and
23.25 hours of paralegal time at $96.25 per hour) and $22.46 for expenses. Id. On July 19, 2018,
Defendant filed a response indicating it did not oppose the payment of such fees and expenses.
ECF No. 25.
In accordance with Astrue v. Ratliff, 560 U.S. 586, 595-98 (2010), EAJA fees awarded by
this Court belong to the litigant, thus subjecting EAJA fees to offset under the Treasury Offset
Program (31 U.S.C. ' 3716(c)(3)(B)), and, therefore, this Court directs fees be payable to Plaintiff
and delivered to Plaintiff’s counsel.

Accordingly,

IT IS ORDERED Plaintiff’s motion for attorney’s fees and costs pursuant to the Equal
Access to Justice Act, 28 U.S.C. § 2412, be GRANTED in the amount of $3,200.31 for fees and
$22.46 for expenses.

s/ Mary Geiger Lewis___
MARY GEIGER LEWIS
UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE
July 19, 2018
Columbia, South Carolina

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