Benefits
GENERAL LIMITATIONS
Legal Benefits under the plan are limited to $1,000 per calendar year per family. The calendar year runs from January 1 to December 31st.
Allowances are paid only to the extent of fees charged. The Fund will not absorb or be responsible for any fees or charges that are owed by a member beyond the allowances herein. Only matters specified in this booklet are covered by the plan.
There are two types of benefits: regular benefits and $50 deductible benefits.
GENERAL CONSULTATION
Who is eligible
Member obtaining an in-person legal consultation with an attorney regarding an actual or assumed legal problem.
What is the benefit
Five, one-half hour sessions on separate dates, each calendar year, concerning unrelated legal questions.
Benefit Allowance
$35 per visit to an attorney’s office.
Limitations
Business matters, excluded matters and telephone consultations are not covered. When an attorney is retained to provide a specific service for which Benefit allowances are provided by the Fund, such attorney fees shall include the initial general consultation, as well as all other consultations.
WILLS
Who is eligible
Member and spouse
What is the benefit
The preparation and execution of a Will.
Benefit allowance
$65
Limitations
Each member and spouse may utilize this benefit once every five years.
PRINCIPAL RESIDENCE REAL ESTATE CLOSING PRINCIPAL RESIDENCE REFINANCE
Who is eligible
Member who is selling, purchasing or refinancing their principal residential dwelling, condominium or cooperative.
What is the benefit
Legal representation for the sale, purchase or refinance of property as described above.
Benefit allowance
Up to $600 per calendar year per sale, purchase or refinance.
Limitations
Only one sale, and purchase or refinance per family in any year covered. Closings on building loans are considered part of the final closing that will result in the member taking up immediate residency. This benefit provides representation with respect to one’s personal residence (not to exceed a two family house). Business property is not covered by this benefit. Property situated outside of Suffolk County is NOT covered under this benefit. This benefit requires that your attorney be present at the actual closing. Fees paid to the attorney representing the lending institution are not covered. The member must physically reside in the home for which claim is being made.
PRINCIPAL RESIDENCE MORTGAGE PROTECTION
Who is eligible
Member or spouse who is a defendant in a proceeding to foreclose a mortgage regarding a dwelling, condominium or cooperative, which the covered member and/or spouse own and in which the member principally resides.
What is the benefit
Legal advice and/or representation in the defense of a mortgage foreclosure involving any of the above stated residences.
Benefit allowance
An allowance not to exceed $150 if the matter is resolved before trial. An allowance not to exceed $300 should the matter proceed to trial.
Limitations
One foreclosure proceeding per calendar year per family.