Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-casd-3_10-cv-02023/USCOURTS-casd-3_10-cv-02023-0/pdf.json

Nature of Suit Code: 863
Nature of Suit: Social Security - DIWC/DIWW (405(g))
Cause of Action: 42:405 Review of HHS Decision (DIWC)

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- 1 - 10CV2023

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

TRINIDAD RUIZ,

Plaintiff,

CASE NO. 10-CV-2023 MMA (BGS)

ORDER DENYING MOTION TO

PROCEED IN FORMA PAUPERIS

[Doc. No. 2]

vs.

MICHAEL J. ASTRUE, Commissioner of

Social Security,

Defendant.

On September 28, 2010, Plaintiff Trinidad Ruiz 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. 2.] 

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 in forma pauperis pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1915(a). See Rodriguez

v. Cook, 169 F.3d 1176, 1177 (9th Cir. 1999). “To proceed in forma pauperis is a privilege not a

right.” Smart v. Heinze, 347 F.2d 114, 116 (9th Cir. 1965). 

In her affidavit, Plaintiff claims she is unemployed, but receives $2,500 each month from her

husband’s income. Plaintiff has a checking account with a balance of $100 and a savings account with

a balance of $20. Additionally, she owns a 1999 Chevrolet Suburban outright, as well as a home that

is valued at $300,000. 

Case 3:10-cv-02023-MMA-BGS Document 3 Filed 10/06/10 Page 1 of 2
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- 2 - 10CV2023

Plaintiff reports that her two children are dependent upon her for support, but does not state

how much she contributes to their support. Plaintiff also reports that she currently has four debt

obligations: she owes $4,500 to Visa, $500 to Walmart, $1,300 for her mortgage, and $500 for

department store credit. 

A party need not be completely destitute to proceed in forma pauperis. Adkins v. E.I. DuPont

de Nemours & Co., 335 U.S. 331, 339-40 (1948). But “the same even-handed care must be employed

to assure that federal funds are not squandered to underwrite, at public expense, either frivolous claims

or the remonstrances of a suitor who is financially able, in whole or in material part, to pull his own

oar.” Temple v. Ellerthorpe, 586 F. Supp. 848, 850 (D.R.I. 1984). 

After reviewing Plaintiff’s affidavit, the Court finds that Plaintiff has not made an adequate

showing that she lacks the financial resources or assets to pay the costs of commencing this action.

Plaintiff receives $2,500 per month from her husband’s income. She owns her automobile outright,

and owns real estate valued at $300,000. Although Plaintiff has two children who are dependent upon

her for support, Plaintiff has not provided any information as to how much she contributes to their

support, as the IFP form instructs her to do. Moreover, the debt obligations do not appear to be so

objectively prohibitive that she cannot pay court costs and “still be able to provide [herself] and

dependents with the necessities of life.” See Adkins, 335 U.S. at 339. The Court concludes that

contribution toward court costs is not outside of Plaintiff’s means. 

Based on the foregoing, the Court finds that Plaintiff has not satisfied the indigency

requirements of 28 U.S.C. § 1915(a)(1) and that she is able to pay costs to commence this action.

Accordingly, Plaintiff’s Motion to Proceed In Forma Pauperis is DENIED. Plaintiff shall pay the

$350 filing fee within fourteen (14) days of the date of this Order or this action shall be dismissed.

IT IS SO ORDERED.

DATED: October 6, 2010

Hon. Michael M. Anello

United States District Judge

Case 3:10-cv-02023-MMA-BGS Document 3 Filed 10/06/10 Page 2 of 2