Opinion
3:21-cv-280
03-30-2022
Aaron A., Plaintiff, v. COMMISSIONER OF THE SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION, Defendant.
DECISION AND ENTRY
Caroline H. Gentry United States Magistrate Judge
This case is before the Court on the parties' Joint Motion for an Award of Attorney Fees under the Equal Access to Justice Act (EAJA), 28 U.S.C. § 2412. (Doc. No. 14). Specifically, the parties stipulate to an award to Plaintiff of attorney fees in the amount of $2,900.00, and no costs, in full satisfaction and settlement of any and all claims Plaintiff may have under the EAJA in the above case. The award of attorney fees will satisfy all of Plaintiff's claims for fees, costs, and expenses under 28 U.S.C. § 2412 in this case. Any fees paid belong to Plaintiff, and not his attorney, and can be offset to satisfy pre-existing debt that Plaintiff owes the United States under Astrue v. Ratliff, 560 U.S. 586 (2010). Plaintiff and Defendant move that the Court award Plaintiff EAJA fees of $2,900.00, and costs of $0.00, for a total award of $2,900.00.
After the Court enters this award, if counsel for the parties can verify that Plaintiff owes no pre-existing debt subject to offset, Defendant agrees to direct that the award be made payable to Plaintiff's attorney pursuant to the EAJA assignment duly signed by Plaintiff and counsel.
IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED THAT:
1. The Parties' Joint Motion for an Award of Attorney's Fees under the Equal Access to Justice Act (Doc. No. 14) is accepted and Defendant shall pay Plaintiff's attorney fees in the amount of $2,900.00, and costs in the amount of $0.00, for a total of $2,900.00;
2. Counsel for the parties shall verify, within thirty days of this Decision and Entry, whether or not Plaintiff owes a preexisting debt to the United States subject to offset. If no such pre-existing debt exists, Defendant shall pay the EAJA award directly to Plaintiff's counsel pursuant to the EAJA assignment signed by Plaintiff and counsel; and
3. The case remains terminated on the docket of this Court.
IT IS SO ORDERED.