Getting to Know General Motors Retiree Legal Services: Your Comprehensive Guide
General Motors Retirees Benefits Overview
General Motors employees who retire and who were vested in one of GM’s pension plans (known as ‘formal pensions’) receive a monthly annuity under the terms of the applicable pension plan. The amount of the monthly annuity is generally based on the employee’s years of service with GM and the employee’s salary history, considering only a portion of the employee’s past salaries. In other words, most GM retirees receive about 40% of their salary as a monthly annuity payment.
In addition to the monthly annuity payment, GM retirees also generally receive healthcare benefits through the GM Retiree Healthcare Program (RHP). In most cases , GM pays the full cost of healthcare coverage for the retiree and any of the retiree’s dependents; these benefits are not taxable to the retiree unless the retiree is a highly compensated retiree or the retiree’s monthly annuity payment is above a certain threshold.
It’s important to understand that not all GM employees retiring today will be eligible for the GM RHP. This is because the GM RHP was terminated in the hour before GM filed for bankruptcy on June 1, 2009. Affected employees currently hire in will not have RHP coverage; the RHP is open to all retirees of GM who worked for GM before July 1, 2009, were not rehired after July 1, 2009, and are not currently working for another GM entity, including new GM (a/k/a ‘New GM’). Also, if a GM retiree terminated their employment with New GM, they lost healthcare coverage.
Legal Services for General Motors Retirees
Generally, we represent retired general motors employees pertaining to matters that can go before the General Motors Legal Services Plan. This is a plan operated by the UAW – G.M. Legal Services Plan, Inc. as part of a collective bargaining agreement between the UAW and General Motors Corporation. The Plan provides free legal counsel to UAW-represented General Motors retirees which extends to their families as well. The Legal Practice consists of all aspects of general law and may include such matters as, but are not necessarily limited to, estates and wills, real estate, consumer finance matters, personal injury, workers’ compensation, criminal charges, family law, and immigration matters. The plan does not provide legal counsel in income taxes, personal retail credit collections, real estate or income tax settlements, if it is in the service area. The following persons are eligible for service pursuant to the Plan: A current spouse and/or children of a class member may also be eligible for service under certain circumstances.
Dealing With Legal Matters in Retirement
The legal issues retirees may grapple with can span beyond estate planning and powers of attorney. While those concerns are paramount to retirement stability, other issues such as pension disputes, healthcare coverage questions, housing or elder law matters can arise. Legal services can help clients navigate these issues. Attorney Contexts have provided services in all of these areas of practice. Recently, we helped a GM retiree navigate the media red tape related to entering a nursing home as well as understanding insurance coverage for that care.
Who is Eligible and How to Enroll for Legal Services
The eligibility requirements for the General Motors Retiree Legal Services are as follows:
Retired employees: You are eligible for the legal service if you are a regular full-time or part-time hourly employee of the GM UAW represented operations, or a GM Canada hourly retiree; and, you are enrolled in the 2017 Plan for Retired Employees (formerly known as the 2016 Benefit Reimbursement Account Plan).
Salaried retirees: Salaried retirees who are enrolled in a GM U.S. medical plan under the GM Health Care Benefits for Salaried Employees will have access to the legal service.
Eligible spouses/dependents: Current legal spouses , regardless of eligibility for GM health care benefits, and any eligible dependents of eligible retired employees or salaried retirees enrolled in the 2017 U.S. retiree health care benefits program may enroll in the legal service.
General Motors will not share your Social Security number with HomeServe unless it is necessary to verify your enrollment via social security trace. Any information HomeServe receives from GM will be used solely for purposes of verifying enrollment and for billing purposes if you use services. Any information HomeServe receives from GM relating to your medical coverage will be used solely for billing purposes IF you use the service.
Case Illustrations: Employing Your Retirement Legal Services
Case studies are often the best way to understand how other people have benefited from different legal services. Over the years, we have worked with thousands of GM retirees and we understand exactly what you may be concerned about. Here are a few case studies of GM retirees who have used GM Retiree Legal Services:
Greg B., Detroit GM retiree
I was devastated when I received notice that my apartment rental rates were increasing by 50% Mom always said don’t wait, talk to your attorney! I did it this time and I’m so grateful that I did. My attorney talked the landlord firm into revising the rate increase to only a 10% increase! This stored me and my family almost $250 a month! Thanks so much GM Legal Service!
Lisa G., Lansing GM retiree
When I found out that I needed to update my will, I called the legal services hotline. I was so impressed. At the time I had just lost my husband and though perhaps I could not afford an attorney. I was surprised that the services are free and WOW! I could have it updated and properly filed with no charge! It’s great knowing I do not need to worry about that anymore.
John W., Detroit GM retiree
When I was injured at work, I thought my employer would treat me fairly. Wrong! That’s when I contacted GM Retiree Legal Services. It was easy. My attorney was courteous and respectful. All of my questions were answered. I am so thankful to have the assurance that I hired a professional to make sure I am taken care of.
Retiree Legal Services Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What kind of legal services are covered under the program?
A: This benefit covers a range of personal legal services including: Will Preparation; Will and Trust Revision; Expedited Powers of Attorney; Non-Emergency/Non-Cash Settlements; Uncontested Matters for Divorce, Separation or Annulment; Real Estate Closings; Traffic Violations; Small Claims, Tenant Representation and Eviction; Juvenile Delinquency; Guardianship of Minor Children; and Name Changes.
Q: I’ve heard that all GM retirees are eligible for this program. Is that correct?
A: Yes, it is offered as part of GM’s Employee Benefits program and is available to all GM retirees.
Q: I’ve heard that there is no cost for this program. Is that true?
A: Yes. If you are eligible for GM retiree benefits , this service is provided to you at no cost.
Q: Is there a limit to the number of times I can use the service in a calendar year?
A: The covered services under this benefit are not limited in scope or frequency during a calendar year.
Q: Which kind of claims is the service NOT intended to resolve?
A: This service is not intended for wage claims and those in dispute with GM. It will not assist with litigation or criminal matters. This is not an unlimited service.
Q: Who do I call if I have questions about a particular claim?
A: Experienced, knowledgeable consultants can answer your questions and help you find a participating attorney to get information on fees and services provided.