The opinion
IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
EASTERN DISTRICT OF ARKANSAS
NORTHERN DIVISION
SONYA BROWN PLAINTIFF
v. Case No. 3:25-CV-00175-DPM-JTK
COMMISSIONER OF THE SOCIAL SECURITY DEFENDANT
ADMINISTRATION
ORDER
Pending before the Court is Plaintiff Soyna Brown’s Motion for Leave to Proceed In
Forma Pauperis (IFP). (Doc. No. 1) Ms. Brown states that she is living with friends, however she
also asserts her spouse is paying over $300 in utilities and $35.00 in home upkeep. (Doc. No. 1)
Ms. Brown also asserts she spends $180.00 on pet care. The form required Ms. Brown to attach a
detailed statement, nothing was attached. Because it is unclear, the Court would like some
explanation about the payment for home maintenance and utilities when she is residing with
friends. Further, please submit the detailed statement indicated on the form.
The purpose of 28 U.S.C. § 1915 is to ensure that indigent litigants have an entree, not a
barrier, to the federal courts. In re Williamson, 786 F.2d 1336, 1338 (8th Cir. 1986) (quoting
Souder v. McGuire, 516 F.2d 820, 823 (3rd Cir. 1975)). Although a claimant need not be
completely destitute to take advantage of the IFP statute, he or she must show that paying the filing
fee would result in an undue financial hardship. Id.
The Court hereby directs Ms. Brown to provide additional explanation as to her means of
financial support and obligations owed, if any, within fourteen (14) days of the date of this Order.
SO ORDERED THIS 10th day of September, 2025. □
JEROME T. KEARNEY
UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE