Santagato v. Commissioner of Social Security ( 2024 )

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF ILLINOIS LAUREN SANTAGATO, ) ) Plaintiff, ) ) v. ) Case No. 23-cv-165-RJD ) COMMISSIONER of SOCIAL SECURITY, ) ) Defendant. ) ) ORDER DALY, Magistrate Judge: This matter comes before the Court on Plaintiff’s Amended and Unopposed Petition to Award Attorney Fees. Doc. 37. The parties agree and stipulate to an award of attorney fees and expenses in the amount of $7,525.88. Id. The Court finds that Plaintiff is the prevailing party and is entitled to an award of attorney’s fees pursuant to the Equal Access to Justice Act, 28 U.S.C. § 2412(d)(1)(B). The Court further finds that the amount sought is reasonable and appropriate. Therefore, the Amended and Unopposed Petition to Award Attorney Fees (Doc. 37) is GRANTED. Plaintiff is awarded $7,525.88 for attorney fees in full satisfaction of any and all claims for attorney fees that may have been payable to Plaintiff in this matter under the Equal Access to Justice Act, 28 U.S.C. § 2412. Any fees paid belong to Plaintiff and not Plaintiff’s attorney and can be offset to satisfy any pre-existing debt that the litigant owes the United States. Astrue v. Ratliff, 560 U.S. 586 (2010). If Defendant can verify that Plaintiff does not owe a pre-existing debt to the government subject to offset, Defendant will direct that the award be made payable to Osterhout Berger Page 1 of 2 Disability Law, LLC pursuant to the EAJA assignment duly signed by Plaintiff. If payment is mailed, as compared to electronically deposited, it shall be mailed to counsel’s address of record: Traci Severs, P.O. Box 621, Manchester, MO 63021. DATED: August 22, 2024 s/ Reona J. Daly Hon. Reona J. Daly United States Magistrate Judge Page 2 of 2