Opinion
2:18-cv-02169-HZ
04-06-2024
Tamera P., Plaintiff, v. COMMISSIONER, SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION, Defendant.
ORDER
MARCO A. HERNÁNDEZ, UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE
Plaintiff Tamera P. brought this action seeking review of the Commissioner's final decision to deny Supplemental Security Income and Disability Insurance Benefits. On September 9, 2019, pursuant to the parties' stipulated motion, the Court reversed the Commissioner's decision and ordered that the case be remanded for additional proceedings. Order, ECF 15. Judgment was also entered on September 9, 2019. ECF 16. On March 1, 2024, Plaintiff's counsel received notice of Plaintiff's award for benefits. Pl. Mem. 3; Pl. Mot. Ex. C, ECF 19.
Plaintiff now seeks an award of fees of $34,667.23 pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 406(b). Pl. Mem. 2. Defendant neither supports nor opposes the request. Pl. Mot. Ex. 6. The Court has reviewed the record in the case, the motion, and the supporting materials including the award of benefits, the fee agreement with counsel, and the recitation of counsel's hours and services. Applying the standards set by Gisbrecht v. Barnhart, 535 U.S. 789, 796 (2002), the Court finds the requested fees reasonable.
The Court GRANTS the motion [19] and awards Plaintiff's counsel $34,667.23 in attorney's fees under 42 U.S.C. § 406(b). Previously, the Court awarded Plaintiff attorney's fees in the amount of $5,267.80 under the Equal Access to Justice Act (EAJA), 28 U.S.C. § 2412. Upon payment of the § 406(b) fees, Plaintiff's counsel will refund any EAJA fees received by counsel to Plaintiff. Any amount withheld after all administrative and court attorney's fees are paid should be released to the claimant.
IT IS SO ORDERED.