President’s Corner

This month I would like to bring two important things to your attention:

Overpayments

As you have seen by now, Commissioner O’Malley has heard NOSSCR’s concerns and has taken action. As announced during his Congressional testimony, effective March 25, 2024, instead of withholding 100% of a Social Security Disability benefit to recover an overpayment, the default rate is now 10% of the monthly benefits. This is a tremendous result and I salute NOSSCR’s advocacy on this topic and the difference in claimant’s lives this will make. Read Social Security’s announcement here, and be sure to review their updated Emergency Message, advising SSA’s staff on how to process these new withholdings.  

Please also note that on the final day of our Nashville conference we are holding a symposium on overpayments. We hope to see you there as NOSSCR, in collaboration with Cornell University, will provide you with the tools needed to help claimants with overpayment cases. Armed with this information I would encourage each of you to take on one to two overpayment cases. NOSSCR has resources to assist you if you are not sure where to start.

Rudolph Patterson Scholarship

The Rudolph Patterson scholarship honors a founder, past president of NOSSCR, and tremendous advocate for the disabled. NOSSCR is proud to be able to award scholarships to members, and would love to have the opportunity to help as many members as possible, but we need your help. 

Thus far in 2024 we have awarded one scholarship to Krisztina Szabo, Deputy Director of Legal Services at Whitman-Walker, a greater D.C. organization that provides stigma-free, culturally competent and vital healthcare to the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer communities, as well to those living with or affected by HIV; and to individuals who cannot afford to pay or feel uncomfortable in other healthcare settings.

We have received inquiries from a number of other deserving individuals and organizations. We would love to provide more scholarships, and with your generosity we could. 

If you would like to honor the memory of Rudolph Patterson and help other members we are accepting donations in any amount. Please click this link to donate to the Rudolph Patterson scholarship fund OR call NOSSCR at 202-849-6466 and indicate that you would like to donate to the fund. 

The Rudolph Patterson Scholarship is housed under the NOSSCR Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Thank you for supporting the membership with your generous gifts!