Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-casd-3_11-cv-00353/USCOURTS-casd-3_11-cv-00353-0/pdf.json

Nature of Suit Code: 864
Nature of Suit: Social Security - SSID Title XVI
Cause of Action: 42:405 Review of HHS Decision (DIWC)

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UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

KATHLEEN A. KNOWLES,

Plaintiff,

CASE NO. 11-CV-353 MMA (WVG)

ORDER:

GRANTING MOTION TO

PROCEED IN FORMA PAUPERIS;

[Doc. No. 3]

DIRECTING U.S. MARSHAL TO

EFFECT SERVICE OF

COMPLAINT PURSUANT TO

FED. R. CIV. P. 4(c)(3) AND 28

U.S.C. § 1915(d)

vs.

MICHAEL J. ASTRUE, Commissioner of

Social Security,

Defendant.

On February 18, 2011, Plaintiff Kathleen Knowles filed a complaint for judicial review and

remedy on an administrative decision under the Social Security Act [Doc. No. 1], along with a motion

to proceed in forma pauperis (“IFP”). [Doc. No. 3.] 

All parties instituting any civil action, suit or proceeding in a district court of the United States,

except an application for writ of habeas corpus, must pay a filing fee of $350. See 28 U.S.C. §

1914(a). An action may proceed despite a plaintiff’s failure to prepay the entire fee only if the

plaintiff is granted leave to proceed IFP pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1915(a). See Rodriguez v. Cook, 169

F.3d 1176, 1177 (9th Cir. 1999). “To proceed [IFP] is a privilege not a right.” Smart v. Heinze, 347

F.2d 114, 116 (9th Cir. 1965). The Court may authorize the commencement of an action without the

prepayment of fees if the party submits an affidavit, including a statement of assets, showing that she

is unable to pay the requisite filing fee. 28 U.S.C. § 1915(a). 

Case 3:11-cv-00353-MMA-WVG Document 4 Filed 03/15/11 Page 1 of 2
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In her affidavit, Plaintiff claims she is unemployed, and last worked in 2005. Plaintiff’s only

alternative source of money is from “CMS,” which the Court interprets as San Diego’s County

Medical Services. Plaintiff has a checking account, but it is managed by her caretaker and she only

has access to it on an emergency basis. She owns no other savings, IRA, money market, or CD

accounts. She does not own a vehicle, and does not own any real property. Plaintiff’s motion to

proceed IFP reflects that she has insufficient income to prepay any fees. Accordingly, the Court

hereby GRANTS Plaintiff’s motion to proceed IFP. 

In accordance with the Court’s Order, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that:

1. The Clerk shall provide Plaintiff with the summons, a certified copy of both this Order and

the Complaint, and forward them to Plaintiff along with a blank U.S. Marshal Form 285 for the

Defendant named in the Complaint. Plaintiff shall complete the Form 285 and forward it to the United

State Marshal.

2. The United States Marshal shall serve a copy of the Complaint and summons upon

Defendant as directed by Plaintiff on U.S. Marshal Form 285. See 28 U.S.C. §1915(d); FED. R. CIV.

P. 4(c)(3).

3. Plaintiff shall serve upon Defendant or, if appearance has been entered by counsel, upon

Defendant’s counsel, a copy of every further pleading or other document submitted for consideration

of the Court. 

IT IS SO ORDERED.

DATED: March 15, 2011

Hon. Michael M. Anello

United States District Judge

Case 3:11-cv-00353-MMA-WVG Document 4 Filed 03/15/11 Page 2 of 2