As news of layoffs and continued economic troubles clog the airwaves, NYSUT and vendors of Member Benefits-endorsed programs are offering several resources to help members.

In early April delegates to NYSUT's annual convention stepped up to ensure the continuity of membership and services for union members who lose their jobs. Dues for laid-off members will be $0 for two years or until the member is re-employed in a job that affords them NYSUT membership.

"NYSUT is dedicated to providing support, information and resources to help you get through these tough times," NYSUT President Dick Iannuzzi said.

In addition to NYSUT's newly launched Career Center (www.nysut.org/careers), laid-off members can take advantage of special offers from vendors of NYSUT Member Benefits Trust-endorsed programs.

Free legal help

The law firm of Feldman, Kramer & Monaco, P.C., provider of the trust-endorsed Legal Service Plan, will waive the plan's annual fee for members laid off at the end of the current school year.

More information about plan benefits can be found at www.memberbenefits.nysut.org.

Contact Member Benefits for information on eligibility for this offer.

To access the free plan, laid-off members should call Member Benefits at 800-626-8101 to verify that their local has reported their layoff status.

Term life changes

Whether laid off or not, anyone insured under the trust-endorsed Term Life insurance plan can reduce their coverage — and their premium — for any reason and reinstate it up to $200,000 within 12 months with no medical underwriting. This is a one-time-only offer.

For more information, call the plan administrator, Marsh Affinity Group Services, at 888-386-9788.