SSA Announces 2008 Cost of Living Increase
December 1, 2007
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced that the cost-of-living increase for Social Security benefits and for the SSI Federal Benefit Rate (FBR) for 2008 will be 2.3%. Read More
Empire Justice Organizational Priorities
December 1, 2007
Each year, Empire Justice develops a proactive legislative agenda that reflects our organizational goal of making the law work for all New Yorkers. This year, our agenda focuses on three broad areas – access to legal and other critical human services, strengthening public benefits and public health programs and assisting New Yorkers facing financial crises. Read More
Dual Eligibles Participating in Medicare Advantage Plans
December 1, 2007
MA plans must offer all the services that traditional or original Medicare provides, but are not required to offer the same level of cost-sharing. MA plans may offer additional services not provided by original Medicare, such as routine dental or vision coverage. However, MA plans may limit their services to a fixed provider network and/or subject their participants to HMO-type or other additional requirements. Read More
New Housing Laws Provide Assistance for Domestic Violence Survivors
December 1, 2007
Domestic violence survivors face tremendous economic and housing-related hurdles when they attempt to break free of an abuser. Often the choices are poor—remain with an abuser or become homeless. Sadly, studies conducted both across the country and in New York confirm these concerns by demonstrating that domestic violence is a leading cause of homelessness for women. Read More
Empire Justice Center and the Subprime Mortgage Crisis
December 1, 2007
Empire Justice Center has been at the forefront of local and statewide advocacy efforts to address the current subprime and non-traditional mortgage lending foreclosure crisis. Read More
Language Services for Limited English Proficient Individuals in New York State Court and Agency Administrative Proceedings
December 1, 2007
A recent amendment by the New York State Unified Court System Office of Court Administration (OCA) to the New York State Uniform Court Rules and a proposed Model Code of Conduct for Administrative Law Judges by the New York State Bar Association take different approaches to addressing the right of limited English proficient (LEP) individuals to receive language services, interpreter and translation services, in state court and agency administrative proceedings. Read More
Are Bank Freezes Thawing?
December 1, 2007
Seizures of exempt funds in bank accounts continue to be in the news. Both Tanya Douglas and Johnson Tyler of South Brooklyn Legal Services appeared on the CBS evening news last month, recounting the plights of clients who have had their accounts illegally frozen. Read More
