NYSUT legal plans just a phone call away

At various times, UUP bargaining unit members will find the need for legal help, whether it’s related to buying a home, drafting a will or fighting a traffic ticket. NYSUT’s Legal Service Plan provides legal assistance for personal legal matters.

The most widely used aspects of the plan are a free simple will and unlimited toll-free legal advice. Many situations are easily resolved by speaking with an attorney by telephone. Plan attorneys will also make telephone calls and write letters on a member’s behalf, often settling problems involving consumer protection and credit.

If a problem can’t be resolved by letter or telephone, members will be referred to participating attorneys in their counties, who will charge $105 an hour or 40 percent less than their usual hourly rate, whichever is less. Other features of the legal plan include free office consultations, the Preventive Law Guide newsletter and guaranteed maximum fees for a variety of personal legal matters.

The annual enrollment fee is $65, or $60 if the member is eligible to pay using payroll or pension deduction.

In addition to the bargaining unit member, the plan covers the member’s spouse (or domestic partner) and unmarried dependent children under the age of 19 — or 25 if dependent and enrolled as a full-time student. Coverage is also provided for parents who are dependent on the member for their own support and maintenance.

Optional riders for Elder Law services and for business protection can be purchased and added to the plan’s coverage.

Retirees may choose between the Legal Service Plan and Retiree Legal Service Plan.

For details, contact NYSUT Member Benefits at (800) 626-8101, benefits@nysutmail.org or www.memberbenefits.nysut.org.