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Online Legal Risk Assessment Tools Available
During this global pandemic more Western New Yorkers are struggling with issues related to safe and affordable housing, debt, health care and financial exploitation. The Center for Elder Law & Justice has two online screening tools available to connect older adults who may be facing these types of challenges with our office. The New York…
Read MoreState of Mortgage Foreclosures in Western New York: October 2020
submitted by F. Alex Fehrman, Esq. With COVID-19 still impacting our community, and likely to have a long-term impact on many people as we move forward, it is likely that multiple people are or will soon be facing mortgage foreclosure as a result of a newly found financial hardship. As courts continue to reopen and…
Read MoreMemo sent to Governor Cuomo on Utility Termination of Services
submitted by Kevin Quinn, Esq. The following memo was sent to Governor Andrew Cuomo to ask for passage of S.8113-A / A.10521-A, to issue a moratorium on utility termination of services during periods of pandemics and/or state of emergencies.
Read MoreApril Senior Financial Safety Tool Bulletin
Common Questions about Paying Mortgages during COVID-19
submitted by F. Alex Fehrman, Esq. With the escalation of the Covid-19 pandemic throughout the state, there has been a lot of confusion over the past few weeks when it comes to homeowners making their mortgage payments. As an attorney who focuses on foreclosure prevention I have received many questions on this issue over the…
Read MorePaying your mortgage during Covid-19
submitted by F. Alex Fehrman, Esq. What if I have trouble paying my mortgage? This is a question that nobody wants to ask. Unfortunately, as the Covid-19 epidemic drags on and many individuals face an economic hardship, it is a question more and more people are asking during this difficult time. When your house is…
Read MoreCensus, Auto Warranty, and IRS Scams: SFST Bulletin for March
The SFST Bulletin is a monthly electronic publication written for financial professionals. Our goal is to increase awareness of legal issues faced by older adults in our community related to financial exploitation by providing these informative materials to financial professionals. Each month the SFST Bulletin will focus on new and timely topics that affect consumer…
Read MoreSenior Financial Safety Tool Bulletin: Power of Attorney: What is it, and why is it important?
The SFST Bulletin is a monthly electronic publication written for financial professionals. Our goal is to increase awareness of legal issues faced by older adults in our community related to financial exploitation by providing these informative materials to financial professionals. Each month the SFST Bulletin will focus on new and timely topics that affect consumer…
Read MoreWhat to Look for (and not) when choosing a Pooled Supplemental Needs Trust
When looking for a professional trustee, you should find someone who understands all public benefits, particularly Medicaid and SSI. Since Medicaid rules can differ by state (but cannot be any more restrictive than SSI rules) it is best to find a trust in the state where the beneficiary is going to reside. At least for…
Read MoreThe Social Security Office Gets it Wrong Sometimes
Legal Services for the Elderly, Disabled or Disadvantages of WNY has expert staff to assist people who may have their social security or supplemental security income wrongly reduced due to overpayment or other issues. We have helped many people over the years end overpayment recoupment wrongly imposed by the Social Security Administration.
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