Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-caed-1_14-cv-01251/USCOURTS-caed-1_14-cv-01251-0/pdf.json

Nature of Suit Code: 864
Nature of Suit: Social Security - SSID Title XVI
Cause of Action: 42:205 Denial Social Security Benefits

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UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

LEIGH ANN GRANT,

Plaintiff,

v.

COMMISSIONER OF SOCIAL SECURITY,

Defendant.

Case No. 1:14-cv-01251-SAB

ORDER DENYING APPLICATION TO 

PROCEED IN FORMA PAUPERIS

(ECF No. 2)

On August 8, 2014, Plaintiff Leigh Ann Grant (“Plaintiff”) filed the complaint in this 

action seeking judicial review of the final decision of Defendant Commissioner of Social 

Security (“Defendant”) denying Plaintiff’s application for benefits under the Social Security Act. 

(ECF No. 1.) Plaintiff filed an application to proceed in forma pauperis without prepayment of 

the filing fee on the same day. (ECF No. 2.)

In order to proceed in court without prepayment of the filing fee, Plaintiff must submit an 

affidavit demonstrating that he “is unable to pay such fees or give security therefor.” 28 U.S.C. 

§ 1915(a)(1). In assessing whether a certain income level meets the poverty threshold under 

Section 1915(a)(1), courts look to the federal poverty guidelines developed each year by the 

Department of Health and Human Services. See, e.g., Lint v. City of Boise, No. CV09-72-SEJL, 2009 WL 1149442, at *2 (D. Idaho Apr. 28, 2009) (and cases cited therein).

/ / /

Case 1:14-cv-01251-SAB Document 3 Filed 08/12/14 Page 1 of 2
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Plaintiff’s application states that the only other person dependent upon him for support is 

her nephew. The 2014 Poverty Guidelines for the 48 contiguous states for a household of two is 

$15,730.00. 2014 Poverty Guidelines, http://aspe.hhs.gov/poverty/14poverty.cfm (last visited 

August 12, 2014).

Plaintiff states that she earns $191 per month from employment. Plaintiff also stated that 

she receives $1,509 per month in public assistance as support for her nephew. Accordingly, 

Plaintiff receives $20,400.00 in annual income.

Plaintiff identified $1,410.00 per month in monthly expenses. This amounts to $16,920

in annual expenses. The Court notes that in the “Total monthly expenses” box on the in forma

pauperis application, Plaintiff wrote “$140.00” even though the actual sum of the total monthly 

expenses identified is $1,410.00. The Court admonishes Plaintiff and her attorney to verify the 

accuracy of information provided to the court.

Plaintiff’s application to proceed in forma pauperis demonstrates that Plaintiff is able to 

pay the $400.00 filing fee in this action as her reported annual income is significantly higher than 

her reported annual expenses. Moreover, Plaintiff’s income is substantially higher than the 2014 

Poverty Guidelines.

Based upon the foregoing, the Court finds that Plaintiff is not eligible to proceed in forma

pauperis under 28 U.S.C. § 1915. Accordingly, it is HEREBY ORDERED that Plaintiff’s 

application to proceed in forma pauperis is DENIED and Plaintiff shall pay the $400.00 filing fee 

within thirty (30) days. If the filing fee is not paid within thirty (30) days, this action will be 

dismissed.

IT IS SO ORDERED.

Dated: August 12, 2014 

UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE

Case 1:14-cv-01251-SAB Document 3 Filed 08/12/14 Page 2 of 2