Rick Fleming, NOSSCR President

As 2024 comes to a close, I want to thank the NOSSCR Board, the NOSSCR staff, and the membership for a very successful year. Our list of accomplishments in 2024 is as impressive as it is extensive. As I pass the baton to President-Elect Paul Burkhalter, NOSSCR is strong. 2024 saw us extremely active on the Hill, in the Agency, in the media, and across the country. Take a look at some 2024 highlights:

• Collateral estoppel​
• Overpayment waiver policy ($2,000 admin waiver)​
• Overpayment collection policy (10% default SSDI, 60 months)​
• SSI installment payment policy (documents not required) (8/29/24)​
• SSI expansion of public assistance household to include SNAP (9/30/24)​
• SSI exclusion of food from ISM (9/30/24)​
• SSI expansion of rental subsidy policy (9/30/24)
• Electronic signatures policy​
• Signature removal (first two batches of forms approved)​
• Vocational evidence (questionable and obsolete occupations)​
• Conn victims’ relief (overpayment waivers and new hearings without “travel back in time”) (7/26/24)​
• Ticket to Work policy elevation to Commissioner level​
• Ticket to Work marketing
• Initial and reconsideration claim data in ARS/ERE (1696 confirmation, decisions, status)​
• Entities recognized for fee payments​
• Hearing format flexibility retained​
• Aged SSI fees released​
• SSI underpayment review $5,000 to $15,000
• 15 to 5 PRW​
• Fee Petition ALJ authority cap increase​
• Online SSI application (Phase 1) (12/18/24)​
• Fee Agreement cap increase​
• Fee Agreement cap tied to annual COLA

Have you received your first fee payment north of $9,000? I hope you have, and when you did, I hope you realized that it is the result of extensive efforts made possible by you being a part of an organization focused on improving the practice. Please see a summary of NOSSCR’s Advocacy Values and Goals here and our Priorities here.

There remains a lot to do, so keep an eye on NOSSCR in 2025 as we continue to work for you and your claimants. Your continued membership in NOSSCR and the NOSSCR PAC will continue to pay dividends. There is strength in our numbers, and together we will continue to accomplish great things. 

On behalf of the Board of Directors I wish you and yours a very peaceful holiday season. The work you do changes lives for the better. I hope you get some time to relax, recharge, and prepare for the work ahead. And finally, I hope to see all of you in DC either in person or virtually in April. Registration is now open. 

Contributions to the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives PAC (NOSSCR PAC) are not tax-deductible as a charitable contribution for federal income tax purposes. Contributions to NOSSCR PAC will be used to support federal and state candidates, political parties, and other political committees. Contributions are strictly voluntary. You may refuse to contribute without reprisal. Any proposed contribution level is merely a suggestion, and you are free to contribute more or less than suggested. You will not benefit or be disadvantaged by reason of the amount of your contribution or a decision not to contribute. Federal law requires NOSSCR PAC to use its best efforts to collect and report the name, mailing address, occupation and employer of persons whose contributions exceed $200 in a calendar year. You must be a U.S. citizen or lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the U.S. to contribute.