Automated Summary
Key Facts
In Dionne Singleton v. Frank Bisignano, Commissioner of Social Security, Case No. 1:24-cv-01417-BAM in the United States District Court, Eastern District of California, Fresno Division, the parties stipulated that the United States' position was not substantially justified. As a result, Plaintiff Dionne Singleton was awarded attorney fees and expenses in the amount of $8,200.00 pursuant to the Equal Access to Justice Act (EAJA), 28 U.S.C. § 2412(d). The stipulation was signed on December 23, 2025 and the court issued an order awarding the fees on December 29, 2025.
Issues
- The parties stipulated that the position of the United States was not substantially justified in this case, which entitled Plaintiff Dionne Singleton to attorney fees pursuant to the Equal Access to Justice Act (EAJA). This determination was made in accordance with 28 U.S.C. § 2412(d) and the relevant case law, including Astrue v. Ratliff, 560 U.S. 586 (2010).
- The court awarded attorney fees and expenses under the Equal Access to Justice Act (EAJA), 28 U.S.C. § 2412(d), in the amount of $8,200.00 to Plaintiff Dionne Singleton. The parties stipulated that the United States position was not substantially justified, making Plaintiff entitled to EAJA fees. The award is without prejudice to seeking Social Security Act attorney fees under 42 U.S.C. § 406(b), and constitutes a complete release from any claims relating to EAJA attorney fees.
Holdings
The Court awarded Plaintiff Dionne Singleton attorney fees and expenses in the amount of $8,200.00 pursuant to the Equal Access to Justice Act (EAJA), 28 U.S.C. § 2412(d), finding that the United States' position was not substantially justified. No costs were awarded under 28 U.S.C. § 1920. The stipulation constitutes a compromise settlement and serves as a complete release of any claims related to EAJA attorney fees.
Remedies
The court awarded attorney fees and expenses totaling $8,200.00 to Plaintiff Dionne Singleton under the Equal Access to Justice Act (28 U.S.C. § 2412(d)). This amount represents compensation for legal services rendered in connection with the civil action, with no costs under 28 U.S.C. § 1920.
Monetary Damages
8200.00
Legal Principles
Stipulation for award of $8,200.00 in attorney fees and expenses under the Equal Access to Justice Act (EAJA), 28 U.S.C. § 2412(d), where the government's position was not substantially justified. Fees payable to plaintiff or counsel based on Treasury offset determination. Payment may be made by EFT or check. This constitutes a compromise settlement and complete release of EAJA fee claims. Award is without prejudice to seeking Social Security Act attorney fees under 42 U.S.C. § 406(b).
Precedent Name
Astrue v. Ratliff
Cited Statute
- Equal Access to Justice Act
- Social Security Act attorney fees
- Costs under 28 U.S.C. § 1920
Judge Name
Barbara A. McAuliffe
Passage Text
- IT IS HEREBY STIPULATED by and between the parties through their undersigned counsel, subject to the approval of the Court, that Plaintiff be awarded attorney fees and expenses in the amount of $8,200.00, under the Equal Access to Justice Act (EAJA), 28 U.S.C. § 2412(d), and no costs under 28 U.S.C. § 1920.
- Payment of the agreed amount shall constitute a complete release from, and bar to, any and all claims that Plaintiff and/or Francesco Benavides, including the Law Offices of Francesco Benavides, may have relating to EAJA attorney fees in connection with this action.
- Based upon the parties' Stipulation for the Award and Payment of Equal Access to Justice Act Fees and Expenses, IT IS ORDERED that fees and expenses in the amount of $8,200.00 as authorized by 28 U.S.C. § 2412, and no costs under 28 U.S.C. § 1920, be awarded subject to the terms of the Stipulation.