NARSSA launches press portal for local reporters seeking Social Security experts

The National Association of Registered Social Security Analysts launched a new Local Media Inquiry portal to connect local reporters with certified Social Security experts across the U.S. The move aims to make it easier for local outlets to find sources as Social Security coverage grows and questions about the program’s future intensify.

Why it matters: - Local newsrooms covering Social Security now have a direct way to find certified experts for interviews and sourcing. - NARSSA says the portal could help reporters explain benefit rules, claiming choices and program changes more clearly to readers. - The timing matters as Americans keep looking for updates on Social Security and debate continues over the program’s long-term finances.

What happened: - The National Association of Registered Social Security Analysts launched the Local Media Inquiry portal on August 25, 2026. - NARSSA calls the portal the industry’s first press portal for local media seeking Social Security experts. - The portal is designed to connect reporters at local outlets with Registered Social Security Analysts, or RSSAs. - David Splivalo, NARSSA vice president of communications, said the portal was created because local media often lacked access to subject matter experts on Social Security.

The details: - NARSSA says it has thousands of RSSAs in 47 states. - The group describes RSSAs as certified Social Security professionals trained to help with benefits and retirement planning. - NARSSA says the portal can help reporters find sources for stories on claiming strategies, eligibility, earnings tests, survivor benefits and other rules. - The organization points reporters to the Local Media Inquiry portal page for interview requests. - NARSSA says Social Security is projected to face insolvency in 2032, which would trigger a 22% across-the-board cut in monthly benefits if Congress does not act. - The organization says media interest in the program has increased as that deadline approaches. - NARSSA says RSSAs can provide personalized claiming guidance and analyses for simple and complex cases, including divorce, multiple marriages, dependent benefits and survivor planning. - RSSAs also verify retirement, spousal and survivor benefit eligibility and estimate monthly, annual and lifetime benefits under different claiming strategies. - The portal is intended to help with practical questions, including SSA.gov account setup, earnings record downloads, benefit letters, filing preparation and appeals. - NARSSA says RSSAs can also help with self-employed tax efficiency questions, retroactive filing, voluntary suspension, international totalization agreements and earnings record corrections. - NARSSA was founded in 2017 and focuses on Social Security education, credentialing and technology. - The organization’s RSSA program is offered through its website and RSSA.com. - NARSSA says its RSSA education program is offered through The American College of Financial Services and Kaplan Financial Education. - NARSSA is an AgeTech Collaborative from AARP portfolio company.

Between the lines: - The launch gives NARSSA a way to position its certified analysts as ready-made sources for local coverage, not just consumer guidance. - The portal also reflects a broader media need: Social Security reporting often requires technical expertise that general assignment reporters may not have in-house. - By highlighting the 2032 insolvency date, NARSSA is tying the portal to a policy issue that can drive more local coverage and reader interest.

What's next: - Local reporters can use the portal to request interviews with RSSAs for future Social Security stories. - NARSSA is likely to lean on the portal as Social Security headlines continue to develop and local outlets need faster access to experts. - The organization may expand awareness of the service through its national RSSA network and educational partners.

The bottom line: - NARSSA is turning its certified Social Security network into a media source match system for local reporters who need expert help fast.