Opinion
Case No. 2:13-cv-00504-APG-GWF
06-11-2013
WILLIAM E. AVELLO, Plaintiff, v. CAROLYN W. COLVIN, Acting Commissioner of Social Security, Defendant.
ORDER
Amend Motion to Proceed In Forma
Pauperis (#12)
This matter comes before the Court on Plaintiff's Amended Application to Proceed In Forma Pauperis (#12), filed on June 4, 2013. Plaintiff's initial Complaint (#1) contained only the Civil Cover Sheet. Plaintiff paid the filing fee on March 22, 2013, but filed his first Application to Proceed In Forma Pauperis (#2) on the same day. Plaintiff filed a Notice of Corrected Document (#11) to the Complaint (#1) on June 4, 2013 that included the previously-omitted body of the Complaint. In his Amended Application (#12), Plaintiff represents that his local counsel inadvertently paid the filing fee instead of designating this matter for in forma pauperis consideration. Plaintiff therefore seeks a refund of the filing fee if the instant Application (#12) is granted.
BACKGROUND
Plaintiff alleges a claim against the Social Security Administration, challenging its denial of social security benefits. Plaintiff alleges that at all time relevant to this action, he was disabled as defined by the Social Security Act. Plaintiff claims that the Social Security Commissioner, initially and upon reconsideration, denied his request for supplemental security income. Plaintiff states that he timely requested review of the ALJ's decision with the Appeals Council, which was denied on January 25, 2013. Plaintiff now seeks judicial review of that final agency decision.
DISCUSSION
I. Application to Proceed In Forma Pauperis
Plaintiff filed this instant action and attached a financial affidavit to his Application and Complaint as required by 28 U.S.C. § 1915(a). Having reviewed Plaintiff's financial affidavit pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1915, the Court finds that Plaintiff is unable to pre-pay the filing fee. Therefore, Plaintiff's request to proceed in forma pauperis in federal court is granted. The Court will order the tendered filing fee be refunded.
II. Complaint
Plaintiff brings suit against the SSA alleging he was wrongfully denied social security disability benefits. Federal courts only have jurisdiction to conduct judicial review of the SSA's final decisions. See 42 U.S.C. § 405(g); see also Pacific Coast Medical Enterprises v. Harris, 633 F.2d 123, 137 (9th Cir. 1980). Plaintiff appears to have fully exhausted his administrative remedies with the SSA. The Court will therefore allow Plaintiff's Complaint to proceed as a petition for judicial review of a final agency decision. Accordingly,
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that Plaintiff's Amended Application to Proceed In Forma Pauperis (#12) is granted with the caveat that the fees shall be paid if recovery is made. At this time, Plaintiff shall not be required to pre-pay the full filing fee of three hundred fifty dollars ($350.00).
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the Clerk of the Court shall refund any filing fee Plaintiff previously tendered in this case.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that Plaintiff's first Application to Proceed In Forma Pauperis (#2) is denied as moot.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the Clerk of the Court shall file the Complaint.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the Clerk of the Court shall serve the Commissioner of the Social Security Administration by sending a copy of summons and Complaint by certified mail to: (1) Office of the Regional Chief Counsel, Region IX, Social Security Administration, 160 Spear Street, Suite 899, San Francisco, California 94105; and (2) the Attorney General of the United States, Department of Justice, 950 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington DC 20530.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the Clerk of the Court shall issue summons to the United States Attorney for the District of Nevada, and deliver the summons and Complaint to the U.S. Marshal for service.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that Defendants shall have sixty (60) days from the date of service to file their answer or responsive pleading to Plaintiff's Complaint in this case.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that henceforth, Plaintiff shall serve upon Defendant, or their attorney if they have retained one, a copy of every pleading, motion, or other document submitted for consideration by the court. Plaintiff shall include with the original paper submitted for filing a certificate stating the date that a true and correct copy of the document was mailed to Defendant or their counsel. The court may disregard any paper received by a district judge, magistrate judge, or the Clerk which fails to include a certificate of service.
______________________
GEORGE FOLEY, JR
United States Magistrate Judge