Opinion
21cv1296-MDD
07-21-2021
JUANITA R., Plaintiff, v. KILOLO KIJAKAZI, Commissioner of Social Security, Defendant.
ORDER GRANTING PLAINTIFF'S MOTION TO PROCEED IN FORMA PAUPERIS
[ECF NO. 4]
HON. MITCHELL D. DEMBIN UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE
On July 20, 2021, Juanita R. (“Plaintiff”) filed this social security appeal pursuant to Section 205(g) of the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. § 405(g), challenging the denial of Plaintiff's application for Social Security Disability benefits. (ECF No. 1). Plaintiff simultaneously filed a motion to proceed in forma pauperis (“IFP”). (ECF No. 2). Plaintiff filed an amended motion to proceed IFP on July 20, 2021. (ECF No. 4). For the reasons set forth herein, the Court GRANTS Plaintiff's amended motion to proceed IFP.
All parties instituting any civil action, suit, or proceeding in a district court of the United States, except an application for writ of habeas corpus, must pay a filing fee of $400. See U.S.C. § 1914(a). An action may proceed despite plaintiff's failure to prepay the entire fee only if plaintiff is granted leave to proceed IFP pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1915(a). See Rodriguez v. Cook, 169 F.3d 1176, 1177 (9th Cir. 1999). “To proceed [IFP] is a privilege not a right.” Smart v. Heinze, 347 F.2d 114, 116 (9th Cir. 1965). A party need not be completely destitute to proceed IFP. Adkins v. E.I. DuPont de Nemours & Co., 335 U.S. 331, 339-40 (1948).
In addition to the $350.00 statutory fee, civil litigants must pay an additional administrative fee of $52.00. See 28 U.S.C. § 1914(b) (Judicial Conference Schedule of Fees, District Court Misc. Fee Schedule, § 14 (eff. Dec. 1, 2020)). The additional $52.00 administrative fee does not apply to persons granted leave to proceed IFP. Id.
Here, Plaintiff's affidavit sufficiently shows she is unable to pay the fees or post securities required to maintain this action. Plaintiff has had no employment for at least the past two years and has no money in bank accounts or in any other financial institution. (ECF No. 4 at 2). Her sole asset is a car valued at $16,000. (Id. at 3). Plaintiff's only monthly income is from public assistance and child support payments. (Id. at 1-2). Specifically, Plaintiff reports that she receives monthly assistance fron CalWORKS public assistance ($630.00), CalFresh food stamps ($400.00), and child support payments ($50.00). (Id.). Plaintiff explains that she currently relies on rental assistance to cover 75% of her rent. (Id. at 5). Since Plaintiff reports her rent is $1,280.00, the Court estimates Plaintiff receives $960.00 per month in rental assistance. (Id. at 4). Plaintiff's monthly income from these sources totals $2,040.00.
Plaintiff declares that her monthly expenses for rent, food, clothing, laundry, transportation, and cell phones amount to $2,070.00. (Id. at 4-5). Plaintiff has a 16-year-old daughter who relies on her for support. (Id. at 3). Plaintiff's affidavit sufficiently demonstrates an inability to pay the required filing fee without sacrificing the necessities of life. See Adkins, 335 U.S. at 339-340. Accordingly, the Court GRANTS Plaintiffs motion to proceed IFP. Additionally, the Court has reviewed Plaintiffs complaint and concludes it is not subject to sua sponte dismissal under 28 U.S.C. § 1915(e)(2)(B).
IT IS SO ORDERED.