Summary
The United States District Court for the Northern District of Indiana grants Amanda Rhodes’s motion for attorney fees under the Equal Access to Justice Act following remand of her Social Security benefits appeal. The court awards $8,582.16 and explains that the award belongs to Rhodes, subject to offset for qualifying federal debts, with payment potentially directed to her counsel if no offset applies.
Topics
Practice areas
Questions Presented
- Whether Plaintiff was entitled to an award of $8,582.16 in attorney fees and expenses under the Equal Access to Justice Act.
- Whether the EAJA award belongs to Plaintiff and may be offset against any pre-existing debt owed by Plaintiff to the United States, with payment to counsel permissible if no offset applies and Plaintiff's assignment is honored.
Holdings
- Plaintiff's motion for attorney fees under the Equal Access to Justice Act was granted, and Plaintiff was awarded $8,582.16 for attorney fees and expenses.
- EAJA fees are payable to Plaintiff, not directly to Plaintiff's attorney, and may be offset against any pre-existing debt Plaintiff owes the United States. If no qualifying debt exists, the Commissioner may direct payment to Salus Law, LLC under Plaintiff's EAJA assignment.
Key quotations
“Therefore, Plaintiff’s motion for attorney fees pursuant to the of EAJA (ECF 22) is GRANTED.” (Opinion and Order)
“Any fees paid belong to Plaintiff Amanda Rhodes and not Plaintiff’s attorney and can be offset to satisfy any pre-existing debt that the litigant owes the United States.” (Opinion and Order)
Factual background
Amanda Rhodes sought judicial review of the denial of Disability Insurance Benefits and Supplemental Security Income. The court previously remanded the matter to the Social Security Administration for further proceedings. Her counsel requested $8,582.16 under the Equal Access to Justice Act, representing 32.8 hours of attorney work and 1.4 hours of paralegal work, and the Commissioner did not oppose the request.
Procedural history
On September 24, 2025, the court remanded Plaintiff's Social Security appeal to the Social Security Administration for further proceedings. Plaintiff then moved for $8,582.16 in EAJA attorney fees and expenses. The Commissioner responded that she did not oppose the request, and the court granted the motion.