Unreported / Non-Citable
Disposition notice
On November 5, 2026, U.S. Magistrate Judge Allison Claire of the Eastern District of California approved a joint stipulation awarding plaintiff Stephanie R. Young $6,900 in attorney fees under the Equal Access to Justice Act, 28 U.S.C. § 2412(d), with no costs under 28 U.S.C. § 1920. The parties stipulated that Young was the prevailing party, that her net worth did not exceed $2,000,000 when the action was filed, and that the Commissioner's position was not substantially justified. Consistent with Astrue v. Ratliff, the fees belong to Young and are subject to offset under the Treasury Offset Program; if the Commissioner confirms an assignment to counsel and no qualifying debt, payment will be made to attorney John D. Metsker. The stipulation is a compromise settlement, not an admission of liability, and it is without prejudice to counsel seeking fees under Social Security Act § 206(b), 42 U.S.C. § 406(b), subject to the EAJA offset. The court's order states only: "Pursuant to the parties’ stipulation, IT IS SO ORDERED."