About

Organizational Description:

The National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives (NOSSCR) is a specialized bar association for attorneys and advocates who represent Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income claimants throughout the adjudicative process. Since 1979, NOSSCR has been providing continuing legal education to its thousands of members and public policy advocacy on behalf of its members and the people with disabilities they represent.

Mission Statement:

The mission of the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives (NOSSCR) is to advocate for improvements in Social Security disability programs and to ensure that individuals with disabilities applying for Social Security Disability and SSI benefits have access to highly qualified representation and receive fair decisions.

NOSSCR’s Core Values:

• Social Security disability benefits are a vital part of our nation’s social insurance system and social safety net.
• People with disabilities applying for disability benefits are entitled to high quality representation in the disability application and appeals process.
• Representation during the Social Security disability programs application and appeals process is critical for claimants.
• Applicants for Social Security disability benefits are entitled to fair and independent adjudications.
• Public policy advocacy to protect and strengthen the Social Security disability programs is integral to achieving NOSSCR’s mission.
• Continuing legal education helps ensure that Social Security disability claimants have the highest quality representation possible.

History

Formed in 1979, NOSSCR presented its first Social Security disability law conference in New Orleans. More than 100 attorneys and other advocates attended, and NOSSCR has grown in membership and services ever since.

Today, NOSSCR is more than 2,000 members strong, with members in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. The organization has served many vital functions, including becoming pioneers in continuing legal education through its educational programs for Social Security and SSI claimants’ representatives. NOSSCR also provides a research clearinghouse for practitioners, including briefs, case law, memoranda of law, and questionnaires.

NOSSCR has joined with other organizations to advocate for improvements in the disability determination and the adjudication process. NOSSCR’s leadership on these issues has provided frequent opportunities for NOSSCR officers and its Executive Director to testify before Congressional committees.