Celia B. v. Commissioner, Social Security Administration

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT DISTRICT OF OREGON

CELIA B.,1 Case No. 2:22-cv-01719-MTK Plaintiff, ORDER v. COMMISSIONER, Social Security Administration, Defendant. _________________________________________ KASUBHAI, United States District Judge: Plaintiff Celia B. brought this action seeking review of the Commissioner’s final decision denying her application for disability insurance benefits under the Social Security Act. ECF No. 1. On May 15, 2023, pursuant to a Stipulated Motion for Remand, the Court entered judgment reversing and remanding the case pursuant to sentence four of 42 U.S.C. § 405(g). ECF Nos. 14- 16. On March 20, 2026, Plaintiff received her notice of award of benefits. Pl.’s Mot. Ex. 2, ECF No. 21-2 In the interest of privacy, the Court uses only the first name and last name initial of non- government parties whose identification could affect Plaintiff’s privacy.

Plaintiff’s attorney now seeks an award of fees pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 406(b). ECF No. 21. Defendant takes no position with respect to the request. Id. Applying the standards set by Gisbrecht v. Barnhart, 535 U.S. 789, 796 (2002), the Court has reviewed the record in this case and finds that the requested fee is reasonable.

Plaintiff’s Motion for Attorney Fees Under 42 U.S.C. § 406(b) (ECF No. 21) is hereby GRANTED as follows: Kevin Kerr is allowed an attorney’s fee under the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. § 406(b), in the amount of $5,400.00, to be paid in accordance with agency policy.

Plaintiff’s counsel shall refund the amount of $645.32 already received by counsel under the Equal Access to Justice Act. Any funds withheld by the Commissioner in anticipation of an order under Section 406(b), less an administrative assessment pursuant to 42 US.C. 406(d), may be paid to Kevin Kerr, using the information on file with the Agency, consistent with this order.

IT IS SO ORDERED.

DATED this 18th day of May 2026.

s/ Mustafa T. Kasubhai MUSTAFA T. KASUBHAI (he/him) United States District Judge