Michael James Black v. Commissioner of Social Security

Summary

The United States District Court for the District of Oregon ordered an award of $620.30 in attorney fees to the plaintiff under the Equal Access to Justice Act. The order provides that payment is subject to verification of any qualifying federal debt and may be disbursed to the plaintiff’s attorney or, after offset, to the plaintiff.

Holdings

1. Plaintiff was awarded $620.30 in attorney fees pursuant to the Equal Access to Justice Act.
2. The fee award may be paid to Plaintiff's attorney if verification establishes that Plaintiff has no debt qualifying for offset under the Treasury Offset Program; if such debt exists, remaining funds after offset are payable to Plaintiff.

Questions Presented

1. Whether Plaintiff should receive an attorney-fee award under the Equal Access to Justice Act.
2. Whether the fee award should be paid to Plaintiff's attorney subject to verification of, and possible offset for, qualifying federal debt.

Disposition

other