Even if one or two New Year’s resolutions have already been broken, it’s not too late to make one more. NYSUT Member Benefits Trust endorses a plan to help UUP bargaining unit members actually achieve it.

Now is the time to fill out a will or to update an existing will. The importance of having a will to protect loved ones and specific wishes cannot be stressed enough.

This is especially true if a person has children under the age of 18 or dependents with special needs. A will allows people to legally name a guardian(s) for their children. It also ensures that an estate will be distributed according to wishes. Without a valid will, these very important, personal decisions are made by the state.

The Member Benefits-endorsed Legal Service Plan provides one simple will or update, at no charge.  Enrollees will also receive access to unlimited, toll-free legal advice from plan attorneys, who will make phone calls and write third-party correspondence, at no charge, to resolve legal situations before they become major problems. In addition, when purchasing this plan, members will receive two coupons for free, hour-long consultations with a plan attorney.

Is there a real estate transaction coming up in the near future? What about traffic violations? With the Legal Service Plan, members can receive legal assistance with a variety of legal matters. Many other benefits are provided to enrollees, including plan attorneys located nationwide, guaranteed maximum fees on a number of personal legal matters, and a legal newsletter covering consumer-oriented issues. Optional riders providing benefits in the areas of elder law and business protection can be purchased to provide specialized benefits to the plan.

If there is but one resolution to be made this year, take advantage of this opportunity to receive a free simple will by enrolling in the Legal Service Plan. Retirees can opt to enroll in the Retiree Legal Service Plan.

For more information about these plans, contact NYSUT Member Benefits Trust at (800) 626-8101, by e-mail at benefits@ nysutmail.org, or visit the Web site at www.memberbenefits.nysut.org.

For information about this program or about contractual expense reimbursement/endorsement arrangements with providers of endorsed programs, please contact NYSUT Member Benefits Trust or refer to your NYSUT Member Benefits Trust Summary Plan Description.