Economic Security

We believe that all seniors should have enough income to meet basic needs.

At a March 2014 hearing on senior poverty, some of NSCLC's highest policy priorities were front and center.

At a March 2014 hearing on senior poverty, some of NSCLC’s highest policy priorities were front and center.

NSCLC seeks to preserve, strengthen, expand and improve access to programs such as Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) that provide income security to millions of older adults and people with disabilities.

We achieve our objectives through litigation, policy advocacy, and technical assistance to advocates including case consultations, training and written materials.

2014 Priorities

We seek to:

  • Update and restore the SSI program so that it meets the needs of poor seniors today.
  • Improve the Social Security Administration’s SSI non-disability appeals process
  • Strengthen Social Security and advocate for adoption of the consumer price index for the elderly (CPI-E).
  • Play a lead role in enhancing language access policies at SSA.
  • Push for full implementation of the Windsor decision at SSA so the LGBT couples have equal access to Social Security and SSI benefits.

2013 Accomplishments

Last year, NSCLC:

  • Advocated for federal legislation that would update the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program; the SSI Restoration Act of 2013 (HR 1601) was introduced in April.
  • Engaged and educated advocates on the need to fix the broken SSI appeals system that currently denies due process rights to many low-income older adults
  • Co-authored a Strengthen Social Security Commission report urging several issues relating to both Social Security and SSI needing improvement
  • Joined in an  amicus brief describing for the Supreme Court the negative impact the Defense of Marriage has on seniors and calling for the law to be struck down.
    • The Court overturned the law in June.
  • Advocated for the Social Security Administration to fully implement the court’s decision by granting spousal or survivor benefits based on same sex marriages and domestic partnerships.
    • SSA began to process applications at the end of the year.
  • Monitored the Social Security Administration restoration of over $1 billion in benefits owed to Clark v Astrue class members.
    • By the end of the year, SSA had processed all those class members who were receiving Social Security benefits.

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