New advocates may feel overconfident after early success, while seasoned ones often seem less certain because they understand the system’s true complexity. Hear from NOSSCR President Paul Burkhalter as he explores the importance of NOSSCR’s education and mentorship in turning confidence into competence and experience into mastery.

Join David Camp, NOSSCR’s Senior Policy Advisor, as he dispels common rumors about the expected package of proposed regulation changes commonly dubbed the “MegaReg.”

Don’t miss your chance to hear directly from Steve Rollins, former Associate Commissioner for Disability Policy at the Social Security Administration, about the proposed “MegaReg” changes, happening TODAY at 4PM Eastern. Members-only; free; registration required.

Long-time NOSSCR members and 8th Circuit gurus Tom Krause and Ed Olson explore the POMS—an essential window into agency operations—and the importance this tool can have, when used properly, for Social Security practitioners.

NOSSCR Past President George Piemonte offers practical advice for responsible and effective hearing preparation. This month: how to rule out sedentary work for a claimant with morbid obesity.

Exciting news! Retired SSA ALJ Gina Carpenter’s December small-group trainings will focus on crafting powerful pre-hearing memos and delivering effective opening and closing statements. Plus—don’t miss your last two chances to catch her SSR 24-3p session!

Join NOSSCR for two incredible conferences next year—April 21–24 in Baltimore and October 13–16 in Salt Lake City. Enjoy top-tier CLE, hands-on workshops, and networking in two unforgettable cities. Registration is now open!

Hear from Outgoing NextGen Co-Chair Stephen Sloan as he details all of the exciting activities, networking, and learning that took place this month in Charlotte during NOSSCR’s annual NextGen Retreat—and mark your calendars to join us for our next virtual gathering!

On Wednesday, October 29, 2025, the Senate Finance Committee held a hearing to consider the nomination of Arjun Mody to be the Deputy Commissioner of Social Security for the term expiring January 19, 2031.

Don’t miss your chance to share insights, strategies, and specialized knowledge with fellow Social Security disability practitioners—submit a proposal today! Proposals are due December 1.

As the government shutdown stretches past a month, we know the strain it’s putting on your practice—from unanswered calls to misinformation. Please keep advocating for your clients and reporting issues, but also remember SSA staff is facing extended uncertainty—practice patience and compassion.

On October 7, NOSSCR’s Betsy Rosecan attended a small reception with Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) to discuss the government shutdown, long COVID, and Social Security policy. The event, supported by NOSSCR’s PAC, helped ensure members’ voices are heard directly on Capitol Hill.

Join Emma Webb and Ashley Sappenfield to learn how to use employment files, SSA forms, and other supporting documents—beyond just medical records—to build stronger Social Security cases.

NOSSCR’s mentorship program is structured to connect experienced members with those with less experience for professional and subject matter guidance. Join us!

Last week, Social Security announced a 2.8% benefit increase for 2026. This will increase the average monthly Social Security benefit for disability beneficiaries from $1,586 to $1,630. The COLA will take effect beginning in January 2026.

NOSSCR Sustaining Member Ann Atkinson has graciously shared her handy downloadable chart for quick access to the SGA/TWP/SSI numbers for each year—now updated for 2026!

NOSSCR is pleased to share the SSI Deeming Chart for 2026. We hope that this reference tool will be useful in your practice.

NOSSCR’s Government Relations Director, Betsy Rosecan, updates you on the latest legislation impacting Social Security. This month: the Fair Social Security for Domestic Violence Survivors Act.

NOSSCR’s Chief Counsel tackles commonly asked questions and provides best practice reminders. This month: why you should host (and attend) our conference workshops!

Sustaining Member Adriana de la Torre explores a recent Ninth Circuit reversal that highlighted the persistent misuse of boilerplate reasoning in ALJ decisions.

Just a week away! Join us November 6-7 in Minneapolis for NOSSCR’s Eighth Circuit Conference—two days of expert CLE, networking, and fall city charm. Don’t miss out—register now!

For San Diego Conference attendees, both virtual and in-person, we are pleased to offer copies of the conference session videos at no additional cost. Please read on for additional details on how to access these videos.

NOSSCR is thankful for the ongoing generous support of our PAC contributors!

This month the agency released limited data due to the ongoing government shutdown; however, the did release updated long-range financial estimates for various options to change the Social Security program using the intermediate assumptions of the 2025 OASDI Trustees Report.

Find links for the SCO to the DOT, Grid Rules, Listings, contact information for the Field Offices and Regional Communications Directors, DDS site codes, POMS recent changes, Emergency Messages, and much more!