Recent Changes to the Listings of Impairments for SSI and SSDI Claims
By Stacy M. Sadove, Esq. The Social Security Administration (“SSA”) put forth a listing of disabling conditions that are considered severe enough to qualify an individual for a medical determination of disability for purposes of social security disability benefits (either Social Security Income “SSI” or Social Security Disability Income “SSDI”). These conditions interfere with an…
How Will the Appointment of Secretary DeVos Affect My Child?
By Littman Krooks On Tuesday, February 7, 2017, the United States Senate, by a vote of 51-50, appointed Betsy DeVos as the United States Secretary of Education. She will serve as a member of President Trump’s cabinet and will lead the United States Department of Education, which sets policy, produces guidance memos and oversees federal…
The Importance of Executing an Appointment of Agent to Control Disposition of Remains
By Alexis Gruttadauria, Esq. In choosing a final resting place, it is important to clearly document your wishes to avoid further hardship on surviving family members who are grieving for the loss of a loved one. If your wishes regarding a burial place are not documented in a written declaration, it could cause a great…
A Nutshell on Special Education Law
By Arshi Pal Do you know the basics of special education law in New York? All parents should have an understanding in case you begin to suspect that your child has a disability—whether a learning disability, an emotional disability or a health impairment, that affects learning. Special Education law represents a complex set of rules…
Governor Cuomo’s Proposal on Free College Tuition in State Schools Promises Greater Opportunity for Vulnerable Students
By Littman Krooks On January 3, 2017, Governor Cuomo announced a proposal, the Excelsior Scholarship program, to cover tuition costs at state schools for middle-and low-income students in New York. Hundreds of thousands of students will be eligible. As Governor Cuomo has recognized, a college education represents a necessity for most to compete in a…
Holiday Reflections
By Littman Krooks In this holiday season, the attorneys and staff at Littman Krooks send thanks and warm wishes to our clients for trusting us with representing your family. You inspire us each day with your tenacity and care for vulnerable loved ones. We pride ourselves in working with you to make a difference in…
Special Needs Trust Fairness Act Signed By President Obama
By Amy C. O’Hara, Esq. 12/14/2016 Update: President Obama signed the Special Needs Trust Fairness Act into law yesterday allowing individuals with disabilities to establish their own first party special needs trusts. Good news! While not much has gotten done in Washington recently, some good news to report from the beltway. Yesterday, the Senate passed…
New York State Announces 2017 Medicaid Regional Rates
By Alexis Gruttadauria, Esq., When applying for nursing home Medicaid benefits, there is always a review of the applicant’s financial picture of the five years prior to the filing of the application. This is the famous five-year look-back period. Medicaid reviews those five years of financial information in search of any gifts made by the…
The Special Needs Trust Fairness Act Passes
By Amy C. O’Hara, Esq., CELA® Good news! While not much has gotten done in Washington recently, some good news to report from the beltway. Yesterday, the Senate passed the Special Needs Trust Fairness Act, which had already passed in the House of Representatives. This Act allows individuals with disabilities, who have capacity, the ability…
Supreme Court Case on Service Dog Access to Schools has Broad Implications for all Students with Disabilities
By Littman Krooks UPDATE (2/23/2017): The United States Supreme Court, in Fry v. Napoleon Community Schools, rendered an important victory for parents and students. Read more here. We stand with the student Ehlena Fry and her golden doodle Wonder, who ventured to the United States Supreme Court yesterday. On October 31, 2016, the United States…
