Lawsuit Highlights Need for Appropriate Bussing for Students with Disabilities
By Erica Fitzgerald, Esq., & Stacy M. Sadove, Esq., Littman Krooks LLP On Tuesday October 5, 2017, the Appellate Division, First Department issued a unanimous decision overruling an earlier decision by Justice Alice Schlesinger in an Article 78 proceeding between the Public Advocate of the City of New York and the City Department of Education Chancellor…
Social Security Administration Announces Two Percent Cost of Living Adjustment for 2018
The Social Security Administration (SSA) recently announced a 2% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for beneficiaries of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Benefits. This 2% increase marks the largest COLA increase since 2012 when the COLA increase was 3.2%, and according to the SSA’s October 13, 2017 press release the increase is expected…
Estate Planning Tips for Newlyweds
By Ryan J. Byrnes, Esq., Littman Krooks LLP Labor Day weekend has come and gone marking the unofficial end of the summer. However, one season is still in full swing. That’s right, it’s wedding season. Many couples have said their “I Do’s” this summer and will continue to do so over the next few months.…
When Bullying Turns Deadly
by Stacy M. Sadove, Esq., and Erica M. Fitzgerald, Esq., Littman Krooks LLP On Wednesday, September 28, 2017, an 18–year-old student at the Urban Assembly School for Wildlife Conservation in the Bronx allegedly stabbed two fellow students. This resulted in one student’s death and left the second student in critical condition. Early reports indicate that…
New York Court of Appeals Rejects Constitutional Right to Physician-Assisted Suicide
By Marion M. Walsh, Esq., Littman Krooks LLP The New York State Court of Appeals, in Meyers, et. al. v. Schneiderman, et.al, on September 7, 2017, ruled that assisted suicide remains illegal in New York. Specifically, the Court affirmed lower court rulings that that the state legislature has a rational basis for criminalizing assisted suicide.…
Signed NYS Bill Now Allows Individuals with Disabilities to Establish Their Own First Party Supplemental Needs Trust to Preserve Eligibility for Government Benefits
By Arshi Pal, Esq., & Stacy M. Sadove, Esq., Littman Krooks LLP Important Update! On August 21, 2017, Governor Cuomo signed Assembly Bill A6743, amending Social Services Law §366. The signed legislation only adds the word “Individual” into the statute, and the changed wording will have significant implications for many individuals with disabilities. The revised…
Pet Trusts: Ensuring Care for Pets When You Can No Longer Care for Them
By Arshi Pal, Esq. As the summer brings warmer weather and longer days, I look forward to my evenings in the doggy park with my twins, Louie and Simba. When I get home from work there they are waiting for me to pick them up and take them to their favorite spot. I cherish the…
Transitioning Back To Work After Receiving Disability Benefits
By Stacy Sadove, Esq., Littman Krooks LLP Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits are generally available to adults only when they cannot participate in a substantial gainful employment due to a disability. Sometimes beneficiaries want to try returning to work, but are concerned about losing their benefits. One option to…
What You Should Know About New York State Paid Family Leave
Beginning January 1, 2018, private employees in New York State will be covered by the state’s paid family leave program. Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed the family leave bill into law in 2016, along with a $15 minimum wage bill. The governor’s office described the legislation as the nation’s most comprehensive and strongest paid family leave…
ABLE Act Update
By: Amy C. O’Hara, Esq., Littman Krooks LLP The Achieving a Better Life Experience Act (the ABLE Act) became effective in New York State on April 1, 2016. The purpose of the ABLE program is to assist individuals with disabilities with saving funds in accounts to better enhance their independence and quality of life. The…
