Julie Marie Cruz v. Commissioner of Social Security

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF MONTANA BILLINGS DIVISION JULIE MARIE CRUZ, CV 25-94-BLG-TJC Plaintiff, ORDER vs. COMMISSIONER OF SOCIAL SECURITY, Defendant.

On December 4, 2025, the Court remanded this case to the Commissioner for further administrative proceedings. (Doc. 19.) That same day, the Clerk of Court entered a separate judgment. (Doc. 20.)

The parties have now filed a stipulation for an award of attorney’s fees under the Equal Access to Justice Act (“EAJA”). (Doc. 21.) The parties stipulate to an award to Plaintiff of $2,178.21 in attorney’s fees.

Pursuant to the parties’ stipulation, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that Plaintiff is awarded attorney fees in the amount of $2,178.21 in full satisfaction and settlement of any and all claims Plaintiff may have under the EAJA in this case, and will satisfy all of Plaintiff’s claims for fees, costs and expenses under 28 U.S.C. § 2412 in this case. This award is subject to offset to satisfy any preexisting debt that Plaintiff owes the United States pursuant to Astrue v. Ratliff, 560 U.S. 586 (2010), and the Treasury Offset Program, 31 U.S.C. § 3716. Ifthe government determines Plaintiff does not owe a federal debt, then the government shall cause the payment of the award to be made directly to Plaintiff's counsel.

DATED this 4th day of March, 2026.

TIMOTHY J. CAVAN United States Magistrate Judge