Maiffn Area
An Introduction to New York State Landlord/Tenant Law
Posted on October 13th, 2023
This program will provide a basic overview of summary proceedings and the practice of landlord/tenant law outside the City of New York. This program is open to NY-based tenant advocates outside of NYC and is appropriate for tenant advocate attorneys/paralegals/social workers with civil legal services organizations, law graduates, and pro bono volunteer attorneys. This training was recorded on October 13, 2023.
Presented by Marissa Luchs Kindler, Esq., Supervising Attorney at Nassau Suffolk Law Services
Plan of Attack: Applied Tactics for Medical Expert Cross-Exam
Posted on October 10th, 2023
This Disability Advocacy Program (DAP) training will offer specialized tactics and techniques to use in your cross-examination of medical experts, including tips for how SSR 16-3p and the Social Security Administration’s evidence evaluation rules could apply in your cross-examination and rebuttal strategy. This presentation was recorded October 10, 2023.
Presenter: Luis Garcia, Esq., Rue & Ziffra, Port Orange, Florida
Appeals Council Practice: Aiming for a Remand
Posted on September 28th, 2023
This Disability Advocacy Program (DAP) training will offer an overview of Appeals Council practice including the relevant procedural rules, examining the ALJ decision, strategies for choosing winning arguments, and tips to writing briefs that are persuasive. This training was previously recorded 9/28/2023.
Presenters: Ann Biddle, Urban Justice Center and Marissa Sobel, Urban Justice Center
Materials: Training PowerPoint Training Outline
Domestic Violence Legislative Update 2023
Posted on September 19th, 2023
This program, presented on September 19, 2023 by Joan Gerhardt who directs the policy work at the New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence, provides participants with an update on the domestic violence-related bills that passed both houses or were signed into law this session.
Materials: PowerPoint Presentation
HIV as a Disabling Condition: Accessing SSI and SSD Benefits Today
Posted on September 13th, 2023
This webinar, recorded on 9/13/2023, covers the eligibility rules for Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), with a focus on the Social Security Administration’s five-step process used to evaluate disability. Empire Justice will discuss some of the barriers clients are likely to encounter to accessing SSI and SSDI, and identify advocacy strategies for successful eligibility determinations. By the end of this webinar presentation, participants will be able to:
• Understand the difference between Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Learn the eligibility rules for each program
• Gain an understanding of the types of income, income exclusions and resources and the applicable limitations and how to apply to each program
• Learn how the Social Security Administration (SSA) determines disability through the Sequential Evaluation 5-step process and advocacy strategies to help develop a strong application
• Know what to do if an application is denied, the client’s appeal rights and the time limits to file an appeal
Presenter: Jennifer Karr, Esq., Staff Attorney, Empire Justice Center
Webinar materials: HIV as a Disabling Condition FINAL PPT
Providing Foreclosure Prevention Services to LEP (Limited English Proficient) Homeowners
Posted on June 28th, 2023
This presentation, recorded on 6/28/2023, details how to effectively provide services to and advocate for clients who are Limited English Proficient (LEP). Attendees will learn about the concept of Language Access, obligations of courts and mortgage servicers, resources, and best practices for providing competent services for LEP clients, and best practices for interpreting both in and out of court.
Click here for presentation materials.
Understanding Public Benefits for Foreclosure Prevention Advocates
Posted on June 14th, 2023
This presentation, previously recorded on June 14, 2023, gives viewers an understanding of public benefits available to low income homeowners. This program will provide an overview of what foreclosure prevention advocates need to know about public benefits. Advocates will receive an overview of public assistance programs, including the types of benefits, eligibility rules and application process for each program. We will review the ways that social service districts can assist people who are behind in their mortgages, property taxes, or heating and water bills. We will also discuss how local districts can assist with home repairs, including but not limited to heating and cooling repairs, and special grants available to homeowners who are caring for children who are not their own. Advocates will learn how to issue spot and obtain benefits as a means of protecting homeownership.
The Nuts & Bolts of Vocational Cross-Exam
Posted on May 17th, 2023
This Disability Advocacy Program (DAP) training will focus a comprehensive overview of how to cross-examine a vocational expert (VE) at a Social Security disability hearing. We will cover the sources and technical aspects of VE testimony, including the ins and outs of the Dictionary of Occupational Titles (DOT) and the basics for using Job Browser Pro. We will also share strategies for confronting some of the most common VE testimony and frequently cited jobs. This training was previously recorded on 5/17/2023.
Presenters: Michael Telfer, Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York and Betsy Lombardi, Legal Services of Central New York
PowerPoint Materials, click here
Prescription Drugs in Medicaid: Navigating the Medicaid Pharmacy Benefit
Posted on May 2nd, 2023
Legal Action Center, Empire Justice Center and the AIDS Institute are pleased to present this free training. Effective April 1, 2023, the pharmacy benefit for all NYS Medicaid members enrolled in mainstream Medicaid Managed Care (MMC) Plans, Health and Recovery Plans (HARPs), and Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Special Needs Plans (HIV-SNPs) transitioned to NYRx, the Medicaid Pharmacy Program. This ninety-minute presentation will increase health and human services providers’ awareness of the issues clients face accessing HIV related medications in the Medicaid program. Participants will learn all about the recent transition to NYRx and what this means for accessing prescription drugs. This presentation was previously recorded May 2, 2023.
By the end of this training, participants will be able to:
- Describe the NYS Medicaid Pharmacy Program (NYRx);
- Navigate the NYRx Member Dashboard;
- Understand the process for seeking prior authorization;
- Identify potential issues at point of access;
- Take steps to resolve issues and obtain access to prescription drugs
- Discuss the steps involved in helping clients appeal denials of medically necessary prescription drugs
Presenters: Fiona Wolfe, Sr. Health Law Attorney, Empire Justice Center, Alexia Mickles, Health Law Staff Attorney
Materials: PowerPoint Presentation
DAP Mechanics: Practical Rules and Considerations for Handing DAP Cases
Posted on February 15th, 2023
SSA has numerous practical and procedural rules for representatives. This session covers the practical ways that we manage our cases, such as filing the 1696, reviewing notices, objecting to issues, requesting a subpoena, and using ERE. We will offer best practices on these mechanics as well. We will also cover SSA’s all-evidence rule and other issues about securing and submitting evidence. This training was previously recorded on 2/13/2023.
Presenters: Ann Biddle, Urban Justice Center and Shandanette Chase, Urban Justice Center
Click here to download the PowerPoint presentation.