Bowen v. Galbreath, 485 U.S. 74 (1988)

Bowen v. Galbreath


No. 86-1146


Argued December 9, 1987
Decided February 24, 1988
485 U.S. 74

CERTIORARI TO THE UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR
THE EIGHTH CIRCUIT

Syllabus

After the Secretary of Health and Human Services denied respondent’s application for supplemental security income (SSI) benefits under Title XVI of the Social Security Act, respondent appealed to the District Court, which reversed the denial and awarded her past-due benefits. The court also ordered the Secretary to pay attorney’s fees to respondent’s attorney out of the past-due benefits. The Court of Appeals affirmed.

Held: A district court does not have the authority to order the Secretary to withhold a portion of past-due SSI benefits for the payment of attorney’s fees received in judicial proceedings under Title XVI. Pp. 75-79.

799 F.2d 370, reversed.

BRENNAN, J., delivered the opinion of the Court, in which all other Members joined, except KENNEDY, J., who took no part in the consideration or decision of the case.