Language Access/Income Disparities

NSCLC plays a leading role in advocating for the Social Security Administration’s implementation and enhancement of its language access policy (to see related articles on this topic, click here).

Defining poverty among low-income older Americans has often relied solely on the federal poverty level, but it does not truly measure how poor someone is. NSCLC endorses and supports the Elder Economic Security Index, developed by Wider Opportunities for Women.

As part of the National LGBT Aging Roundtable, NSCLC seeks to end discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender couples related to Social Security benefits such as survivor or spousal benefits. In 2012-13, NSCLC is urging same sex couples to apply now for benefits in light of pending Supreme Court action on the Defense of Marriage Act. (Click here to hear and see a webinar on this topic)

• Advocates Look to NSCLC for How DOMA Impacts Benefits Programs
  In an August 20, 2013 webinar attended by some 500 advocates from across the country, The Demise of DOMA: The Impact on Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid for Same Sex Couples, Directing Attorneys Gerald McIntyre and Georgia Burke explained what is...



• Comments: Provisions of Older Americans Act Affecting LGBT Older Adults
  NSCLC joins with others in commenting on proposed rule that implements provisions of the Older Americans Act affecting LGBT older adults.



• Social Security Now Accepting Claims for Same Sex Benefits
  In its first public announcement since the Supreme Court struck down Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), the Social Security Administration (SSA) issued a press release on July 12 stating that it is "taking claims now from individuals who ...



• GLAD Report on DOMA Urges Same Sex Couples to Apply for Social Security Now
  An October 2012 report from GLAD (Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders) is entitled Social Security and the Defense of Marriage Act: Can I Do Anything Now to Preserve My Rights?



• Comments: Proposed USDA Guidance on Language Access
  (5/2/12) NSCLC and the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum developed model comments commending the USDA for its efforts and proposing recommendations to implement the guidance on its plan to provide meaningful access to language assista...



• Comments: Developing a Supplemental Poverty Measure
  Letter in support of using the Elder Economic Security Standard. Read the letter.



• Letter to SSA Comm. re: LEP Services
  Letter on behalf of N-LAAN to express concern over the continuing decline in emphasis on service to SSA's limited English proficient (LEP) clients.