Nassau Suffolk Law Services Celebrates
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Legacy and Lessons
Unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. This is why right temporarily defeated is stronger than evil triumphant.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Nobel Prize Acceptance Speech
UPCOMING TRAINING DATES


Monday, January 25, 12 pm


Tuesday, February 2, 6 pm
People With Disabilities Targeted In Unemployment Fraud
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued a warning regarding an increase in identity theft cases and unemployment fraud. Unfortunately, this fraud can negatively impact public benefits for the most vulnerable members of our society. At Nassau Suffolk Law Services, we have been helping fraud victims navigate the process to reinstate their needs-based benefits, including Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, after becoming victims of unemployment fraud.  If not detected and addressed promptly, unemployment fraud victims may experience termination of benefits and face other sanctions with potentially long-lasting implications.

In one such case, a client contacted Nassau Suffolk Law Services' Disability Advocacy Project (DAP) after receiving an SSI discontinuation notice due to alleged receipt of unemployment benefits. The claimant adamantly denied requesting or receiving any such benefits. Staff Attorney Sarah Kupferberg's first step was to submit an online request for reconsideration with the Social Security Administration requesting what are known as "Goldberg-Kelly" continuing benefits. "Goldberg-Kelly" allows claimants to continue receiving benefits during the reconsideration process. While Goldberg-Kelly benefits must be requested within 10-days of the denial letter, Kupferberg also submitted a statement of Good Cause explaining why the claimant was unable to comply with the 10-day requirement. Kupferberg also asked for a formal conference to allow time to collect evidence.  

Kupferberg then immediately called the New York State Department of Labor Fraud Hotline to report the fraud. The DOL worker indicated that the client’s case was already under investigation at the major case unit. We requested an expedited letter be sent to the client indicating that there was a fraud on his account. The Department of Labor sent the request to the appropriate division.  

Kupferberg also submitted an Identity Theft Report for the client through the FTC website and sent the report to the Social Security Administration with a letter asking for time to receive and submit the letter from the Department of Labor.

Once SSA received the documentation from the DOL of the fraud investigation, the client’s benefits were promptly reinstated. 
RESOURCES TO HELP CLIENTS AVOID SCAMS AND PRESERVE BENEFITS

  1. Submit a request for reconsideration online within 60 days of the denial or later if good cause can be shown. 
  2. Request "Goldberg Kelly" benefits in writing within 10 days of the receipt of the denial or later for a good cause. For a list of good cause reasons for late requests, check Social Security Emergency Message 20050.
  3. Report the Unemployment Insurance Benefit fraud to the NYS Department of Labor at (866) 435-1499 or use this online form. 
  4. While on the phone, request a letter stating that fraud occurred and emphasize its impact on the individual's public benefits. These letters will be sent directly to the individual, not the advocate. Make sure your client knows to send you the letter when they receive it. 
  5. If the letter is not received within a reasonable period of time, call back and re-request the letter.  
  6. Submit an identity theft report to the Federal Trade Commission.
  7. Submit documents to the Social Security field offices as you get them using the e-fax numbers.
  8. Always call the local office to confirm that evidence and correspondence were received.  

If public assistance or other benefits administered by the local Department of Social Services are jeopardized by unemployment fraud, follow the same steps to report the problem to the Department of Labor and FTC. Then, provide documentation of your fraud report to DSS to request that unemployment benefits be removed from your client's budget.  

Advocates can contact the Legal Support Center for Advocates if they need more guidance on suspected unemployment fraud or identity theft impacting their clients' benefits. 631-232-2400, ext. 3324 (Cathy Lucidi) or ext. 3309 (Vivian Storm).


Recognizing and Addressing Other Kinds of COVID-19 Related Fraud
FREE TRAINING FOR ADVOCATES:
PRESENTED BY LEGAL SUPPORT CENTER FOR ADVOCATES
NEW YORK EVICTION PROTECTION ACT

Monday, January 25, 12:00 p.m.

Presented by Marissa Luchs-Kindler, NSLS Senior Staff Attorney

New York recently passed a sweeping eviction moratorium for anyone experiencing financial hardship because of COVID. The new law also protects those who should not move because of a special health risk, including anyone over age 65. Come learn more about the Eviction Protection Act and N.Y. Hardship Declaration.
PROGRAMS FOR GENERAL AUDIENCES:
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH PUBLIC LIBRARIES
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE BRENTWOOD PUBLIC LIBRARY

HOMEOWNERS RIGHTS DURING THE PANDEMIC

Tuesday, February 2, 6:00 p.m.

Presented by NSLS Foreclosure Unit

Many homeowners are struggling to pay their housing expenses because of the pandemic. Come learn about homeowners' rights and options from Nassau Suffolk Law Services' Foreclosure Unit. Topics discussed will include options for working with your lender and the foreclosure process, including:

  • NY COVID-19 Emergency Eviction and Foreclosure Prevention Act
  • Forbearance; 
  • Repayment plans;
  • Loan modifications;
  • The foreclosure process; and
  • Loss mitigation options for those who have suffered financial hardship during the pandemic.
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE MASSAPEQUA PUBLIC LIBRARY

LIFE PLANNING BASICS

Thursday, April 22, 2:00 p.m.

Presented by Dan Okrent, Esq., NSLS Senior Citizen Law Project

Being prepared for a health crisis is critical at every stage of life, but many people aren't sure how to get started. Come learn about health care proxies, advance directives, powers of attorney, and basic Medicaid and estate planning considerations.  

SAVE THE DATE. REGISTRATION INFORMATION COMING SOON!
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE COPIAGUE MEMORIAL PUBLIC LIBRARY

UNDERSTANDING MEDICAID MANAGED
LONG-TERM CARE FOR FAMILIES

Thursday, April 22, 6:00 pm

Presented by Agnes Bonavoglia, Esq., NSLS ICAN Unit

ICAN, or Independent Consumer Advocacy Network, supports people in Medicaid long-term and managed care plans who need services in the community, like home attendants or adult daycare. This presentation for Medicaid recipients, families and caregivers will describe Nassau Suffolk Law Services' ICAN Unit. Learn about the assistance, advocacy, and representation we provide for Long Island residents receiving long-term care in the community. The presentation will also discuss the benefits and services Medicaid long-term care programs provide. It will explain how to access those services and what rights a participant has. Finally, learn how to address quality issues or denials of services.
 
Bring your questions about the 2020 Medicaid amendments going into effect this year!
 
The information contained in this material is not legal advice. Legal advice depends upon the specific facts of each situation. These materials cannot replace the advice of competent legal counsel.