Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-caed-1_16-cv-00260/USCOURTS-caed-1_16-cv-00260-0/pdf.json

Nature of Suit Code: 863
Nature of Suit: Social Security - DIWC/DIWW (405(g))
Cause of Action: 42:416 Denial of Social Security Benefits

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UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

MICHAEL D’AMORE,

Plaintiff,

v.

CAROLYN W. COLVIN,

Acting Commissioner Of Social Security,

Defendant.

Case No. 1:16-cv-00260-SMS

ORDER DENYING APPLICATION 

TO PROCEED IN FORMA PAUPERIS

(Doc. 2) 

By motion filed February 24, 2016, Plaintiff Michael D’Amore seeks to proceed in forma 

pauperis. Doc. 2. Section 1915(a) provides that the Court “may authorize the commencement . . . 

of any suit . . . without prepayment of fees or security therefor, by a person who submits an affidavit 

that includes a statement of all assets such [person] . . . possesses that the person is unable to pay 

such fees or give security therefor.” 28 U.S.C. § 1915(a). A plaintiff “need not be absolutely 

destitute to obtain benefits of the in forma pauperis statute. Nonetheless, a plaintiff seeking IFP 

status must allege poverty with some particularity, definiteness and certainty.” Escobedo v. 

Applebees, 787 F.3d 1226, 1234 (quotations and citations omitted). 

According to the Department of Health and Human Services, the 2016 poverty guidelines

are: $11,880 for a one-person household and $16,020 for a two-person household is.

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 U.S. 

Department of Health and Human Services, Poverty Guidelines, https://aspe.hhs.gov/poverty-

 

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These poverty guidelines apply to those residing in the 48 contiguous states and the District of 

Columbia, excluding Alaska and Hawaii. 

Case 1:16-cv-00260-GSA Document 3 Filed 02/29/16 Page 1 of 2
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guidelines (last visited February 26, 2016); Annual Update of the HHS Poverty Guidelines, 81 Fed. 

Reg. 4036 (January 25, 2016). In this case, Plaintiff reported receiving $1,150 per month from 

renting out two mobile homes, which translates to $13,800 per year. Plaintiff also reported that his 

wife, a dependent, receives sales commission of approximately $1,000 per month, which translates 

to $12,000 per year. Under a one person or two-person household, Plaintiff’s income level is above 

the poverty guideline. 

Consequently, the Court is not of the view that Plaintiff’s financial status—as reflected by 

income, personal and real property —is that of an indigent. 

Accordingly, the Court DENIES Plaintiff’s motion to proceed in forma pauperis. Plaintiff 

shall pay the filing fee to the Clerk of the Court within thirty (30) days of this order. If Plaintiff does 

not pay the filing fee or submit an amended application, the Court shall dismiss the case for lack of 

prosecution without further notice. 

IT IS SO ORDERED.

Dated: February 26, 2016 /s/ Sandra M. Snyder 

UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE

Case 1:16-cv-00260-GSA Document 3 Filed 02/29/16 Page 2 of 2