Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-casd-3_17-cv-02222/USCOURTS-casd-3_17-cv-02222-0/pdf.json

Nature of Suit Code: 864
Nature of Suit: Social Security - SSID Title XVI
Cause of Action: 42:0405id Review of HHS Decision (SSID)

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UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

CRICKET S. BROWN,

Plaintiff,

CASE NO. 17cv2222-WQH-WVG

ORDER

v.

COMMISSIONER OF SOCIAL

SECURITY,

Defendant.

HAYES, Judge:

On October 31, 2017, Plaintiff initiated this action by filing a complaint

challenging a decision of the Commissioner of Social Security (ECF No. 1) and a

motion to proceed in forma pauperis (ECF No. 2).

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

United States, other than a petition for writ of habeas corpus, must pay a filing fee of

$400.00. See 28 U.S.C. § 1914(a); S.D. Cal. Civ. L.R. 4.5. An action may proceed

despite a party’s failure to pay only if the party 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). All actions sought to be filed in forma pauperis pursuant to 28 U.S.C.

§ 1915 must be accompanied by an affidavit which includes a statement of all assets and

demonstrates an inability to pay initial fees or give security. 28 U.S.C. § 1915(a)(1);

CivLR 3.2(a). “To proceed in forma pauperis is a privilege not a right.” Smart v.

Heinze, 347 F.2d 114, 116 (9th Cir. 1965).

 

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In the affidavit accompanying the motion to proceed in forma pauperis, Plaintiff

states that she is unable to pay the costs of these proceedings. The affidavit

demonstrates that Plaintiff is unemployed and that disability benefits provide her only

source of income. Plaintiff’s total monthly expenses, including extensive medical costs,

are greater than her total monthly income. After considering Plaintiff’s motion and

affidavit, the Court determines that Plaintiff cannot afford to pay the filing fee in this

case and is eligible to proceed in forma pauperis pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1915(a).

IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that the motion to proceed in forma pauperis

is GRANTED. (ECF No. 2)

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that all matters arising in this social security case

are referred to the Honorable William V. Gallo, United States Magistrate Judge,

pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(1) and Local Rule 72.1(c).

DATED: November 16, 2017

WILLIAM Q. HAYES

United States District Judge

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