Public Employee Press

Benefit news
Know your union legal service benefits

Q: Am I entitled to MELS benefits?
A: Most employees represented byDC 37, retirees and their dependents who reside in New York State within 50 miles of the planoffice are eligible for the benefit.

Two DC 37 locals have their own legal plans. If you are an employee or retiree in Civil Service Technical Guild Local 375, please call PELS (Professional Employees Legal Services) at 212-815-7530 to find out about your benefits. If you are anemployee in Social Service Employees Union Local 371, call 212-777-9000.

Q: What kinds of legal services are provided?
A: The services for all full- and part-time eligible members and retirees include advice and representation in the following matters: preparation of wills, living wills, health care proxies and durable powers of attorney; bankruptcy; debt matters where the amount in dispute is over $500; disputes with sellers of goods and services if the amount is over $500 and not within the jurisdiction of the Small Claims Court; correction of inaccurate credit reports; and billing disputes with utilities (gas, electric, phone).

Also included are landlord-tenant proceedings that could result in your eviction; entitlements from government agencies such as Social Security and food stamps; divorce, separation and annulment; naturalization applications for permanent residents; and review of a legal document related to a covered matter.

Employees and retirees entitled to the full-time MELS benefits may also receive representation in Family Court matters, including for visitation, custody, neglect, orders of protection, paternity, adoption, guardianship and name change; the purchase of a one- or two-family house, coop or condominium to be used as the member’s primary residence; and the sale of a one-family house, coop or condominium being used as the member’s primary residence.

Q. Why does cost of the MELS benefit appear on my annual W2 statement?
A. Contributions by an employer forlegal services are considered taxable income of eligible members and retirees. Because the calculated value of the benefit is considered additional income, it is reported on your W2 form.

Only eligible members and retirees residing within the MELS service area have this amount added to their W2 form.

Q: What do I do to get help?
A: To check your eligibility and to inquire about representation in your particular legal matter, call the MELS screening number at 212-815-1111.