Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-azd-2_09-cv-01740/USCOURTS-azd-2_09-cv-01740-0/pdf.json

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

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IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

FOR THE DISTRICT OF ARIZONA

Merinda M. Lopez, 

Plaintiff, 

vs.

Michael J. Astrue, 

Commissioner of Social Security, 

Defendant. 

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No. CV 09-1740-PHX-MHM

ORDER

Currently before the Court is Plaintiff’s Application for Attorney's Fees Pursuant to

the Equal Access to Justice Act (“EAJA”), 28 U.S.C. § 2412(d)(1)(A). (Doc. 21). The

Commissioner of Social Security (the “Commissioner”) filed a Response, (Doc. 22), and

Plaintiff filed a Reply. (Doc. 23). After reviewing the pleadings, the Court issues the

following Order.

I. BACKGROUND

On August 21, 2009, Plaintiff sought judicial review of the Commissioner’s decision

rejecting her disability claim. (Doc. 1). On July 27, 2010, the Court granted the Parties’

stipulation to remand the case to the Social Security Administration. (Doc. 19). Plaintiff

subsequently filed her motion for attorney’s fees on August 26, 2010. (Doc. 21). 

II. REQUEST FOR ATTORNEY’S FEES

Plaintiff has requested attorney’s fees in the amount of $4,616.03 for 26.80 hours of

work. In its reply brief, the Commissioner stated that “in the interest of conserving litigation

Case 2:09-cv-01740-MHM Document 24 Filed 03/30/11 Page 1 of 2
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Plaintiff is also entitled to an award of costs under the EAJA, 28 U.S.C. § 2412(a)(1).

The Commissioner does not contest Plaintiff's request for $350.00 in costs. However, costs,

unlike expenses, are administered by the Department of Justice. As such, the Court will direct

that the $350.00 awarded to the Plaintiff for costs under the EAJA shall be paid out of the

Judgment Fund, and not from the Commissioner's funds.

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and judicial resources, he will not oppose Plaintiff’s Application for Attorney Fees.” (Doc.

22). Accordingly, Plaintiff shall be awarded attorney’s fees in the amount of $4,616.03 for

26.80 hours of work.1

III. EAJA AWARD DISBURSEMENT

The Commissioner argues that the EAJA award should be disbursed directly to the

Plaintiff and not to Plaintiff’s counsel. In light of the Supreme Court’s recent decision in

Astrue v. Ratliff, the Court agrees with the Commissioner. 130 S.Ct. 2521, 2529 (2010)

(holding that the plain text of the EAJA “‘awards fees to the litigant.”) Accordingly, the

Court will direct the Clerk to pay attorney’s fees to the Plaintiff.

Accordingly,

IT IS ORDERED that Plaintiff's Application for Attorney's Fees Pursuant to the

Equal Access to Justice Act is GRANTED. (Doc. 27). Plaintiff is awarded attorney's fees

totaling $4,616.30, resulting from 26.80 attorney hours.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that Plaintiff is awarded $350.00 in costs, to be paid

out of the Judgment Fund, as administered by the Department of Justice.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that all fees and costs shall be paid directly to

Plaintiff, Merinda Lopez. 

DATED this 29th day of March, 2011.

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