The UFT Welfare Fund Retiree Legal Plan with Elder Law Supplement offers many benefits, but the five that UFT retirees use the most are assistance with estate planning, elder law, civil litigation, real estate and matrimonial law.

Recently, a retired UFT member sought assistance after they purchased a snow access ticket from a ski resort in New Jersey for nearly $600, but then could not use it because their family member became ill and could not go on the trip, said Steven Kramer of Feldman, Kramer & Monaco, which provides the legal services for the union. The member requested a voucher, but the resort said no. The resort changed course and provided a full voucher after the law firm contacted the resort to negotiate, he said.

UFT Welfare Fund-eligible retirees are automatically enrolled in the legal plan, which also covers spouses and domestic partners as well as all unmarried, dependent children under age 26 in a household.

Here are the ways that members can use the most popular benefits:

Estate planning: Plan attorneys can help you draw up a will, appoint a health care proxy, assign power of attorney and create a living will. They can also set up several types of trusts, including a spendthrift, special needs or pet trust. In most cases, there either are no charges or minimal charges for these services.

Elder law: Plan attorneys can work with you to evaluate how to best protect your assets while ensuring that you receive the elder care you need. The most common tool used to maintain eligibility for Medicaid is an irrevocable trust, which is overseen by a third-party trustee. All services the firm provides under this benefit are deeply discounted.

Civil litigation: Members can get legal assistance with a host of issues, such as landlord-tenant disputes, lease signing and renewal, safety issues and tenant protection. Attorneys can review legal documents, write letters and initiate a phone call with an opposing party to try resolving an issue without litigation.

Real estate: Plan attorneys can assist with the sale, purchase or refinancing of residential property by providing legal advice and representation. The plan offers discounted rates with a maximum cap for these transactions.

Matrimonial law: Plan attorneys help guide members through the divorce or legal separation process with minimal legal costs. They can also represent UFT Welfare Fund-eligible retirees in child custody, visitation and support matters at a discounted rate.

UFT Welfare Fund-eligible retirees are entitled to two legal security packages per year, including forms for receiving a health care proxy, living will, durable power of attorney and last will and testament with a minor’s trust. The benefits extend to members’ spouses (or registered domestic partners), parents and in-laws and grandparents and in-laws. The plan provides certain consultation services for free and others at a discount.

The UFT Welfare Fund Retiree Programs Department holds annual legal plan/elder law meetings at which members can learn about changes to current laws.

Find more information on the UFT Welfare Fund Retiree Legal Plan with Elder Law Supplement. If you move, fill out the UFT Welfare Fund’s change of status form so you continue to receive information on the legal plan.

Long Island and New York City residents can reach the law firm at 631-231-1450. Other New York State residents should call 800-832-5182. Outside New York State, UFT Welfare Fund-eligible retirees should call 800-292-8063.