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Yolanda V. v. Saul, 3:19-cv-01856-AHG. (2019)

Court: District Court, N.D. California Number: infdco20191017953 Visitors: 10
Filed: Oct. 15, 2019
Latest Update: Oct. 15, 2019
Summary: ORDER GRANTING LEAVE TO PROCEED IN FORMA PAUPERIS [ECF No. 7] ALLISON H. GODDARD , Magistrate Judge . On October 3, 2019, the Court denied Plaintiff's Motion for Leave to proceed in forma pauperis ("IFP") because her Complaint failed to state a claim and permitted leave to amend. ECF Nos. 3, 5. Plaintiff filed an Amended Complaint and a renewed IFP Motion on October 11, 2019. ECF Nos. 6, 7. A motion to proceed IFP presents two issues for the Court's consideration. First, the Court must
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ORDER GRANTING LEAVE TO PROCEED IN FORMA PAUPERIS

[ECF No. 7]

On October 3, 2019, the Court denied Plaintiff's Motion for Leave to proceed in forma pauperis ("IFP") because her Complaint failed to state a claim and permitted leave to amend. ECF Nos. 3, 5. Plaintiff filed an Amended Complaint and a renewed IFP Motion on October 11, 2019. ECF Nos. 6, 7.

A motion to proceed IFP presents two issues for the Court's consideration. First, the Court must determine whether the applicant has properly shown an inability to pay the $400 filing fee under 28 U.S.C. § 1915(a). See Rodriguez v. Cook, 169 F.3d 1176, 1177 (9th Cir. 1999). To that end, each applicant seeking to proceed IFP must provide the Court a signed affidavit including a statement of all the applicant's assets. CivLR 3.2(a). Second, pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1915(e)(2)(B)(ii), the Court must evaluate whether the Complaint sufficiently states a claim upon which relief may be granted before the Complaint is served. See Lopez v. Smith, 203 F.3d 1122, 1127 (9th Cir. 2000) ("1915(e) not only permits but requires a district court to dismiss an in forma pauperis complaint that fails to state a claim.").

Having reviewed Plaintiff's Amended Complaint, the Court finds Plaintiff has sufficiently stated a claim upon which relief may be granted. Specifically, Plaintiff appeals the Commissioner's denial of her benefits application pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 405(g) on the grounds that: (1) in determining Plaintiff's residual functional capacity ("RFC"), the Administrative Law Judge ("ALJ") failed to articulate specific reasons for rejecting the opinions of psychiatrists Dr. Ngati and Dr. Mao, which constitutes legal error; and (2) the error is not harmless because had the ALJ incorporated Dr. Ngati's and Dr. Mao's proposed limitations into Plaintiff's RFC, the ALJ would have found Plaintiff disabled pursuant to Social Security Ruling 96-8p. See ECF No. 6; see also SSR 96-8p, 1996 WL 374184 (S.S.A. July 2, 1996). The Court finds these allegations sufficiently specific to state a claim for reversal or remand of the Commissioner's decision.

Additionally, Plaintiff's IFP Motion (ECF No. 7) contains the same sworn statement of her assets provided in her previous IFP Motion. That affidavit shows that she receives only $192 per month in general public assistance and owns a motor vehicle worth $5,000, and that she otherwise has no income or assets. Id. Thus, the Court finds once more that Plaintiff has shown an inability to pay the filing fee under § 1915(a).

Based on the foregoing considerations, the Court GRANTS the IFP Motion (ECF No. 7).

In accordance with Fed. R. Civ. P. 4(c)(3) and 28 U.S.C. § 1915(d), the Court DIRECTS the Clerk to issue the summons and to send Plaintiff a blank United States Marshal Service ("USMS") Form 285 along with certified copies of this Order and her Amended Complaint (ECF No. 6). Once Plaintiff receives this "IFP Package," the Court ORDERS her to complete the Form 285 and forward all documents in the package to the USMS. Upon receipt, the USMS will serve a copy of the Amended Complaint and summons on Defendant as directed by Plaintiff on the USMS Form 285. The United States will advance all costs of service.

IT IS SO ORDERED.

Source:  Leagle

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