As you know, the Homeowner's Rights Benefit, provided by the Port Chester Teachers Association Welfare Trust Fund ("Fund"), provides covered active and retired members with legal representation in the sale or purchase of a private dwelling, condominium or cooperative.

In response to recent inquiries, the following is a clarification of the geographic areas covered by the Homeowner's Rights Benefit:

1. I. Areas Covered by the Panel Law Firm
   The Fund provides coverage through the panel law firm for real estate transactions involving primary residences located within the plan's geographic limits which are: Westchester, Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, Orange, New York, Kings, Bronx, Queens, Richmond, Nassau and Suffolk Counties. In addition, transactions involving primary residences located within commuting distance of an active and retired member's school district/place of employment, but outside of the plan's geographic limits that can be serviced by the panel law firm (Mirkin & Gordon, P.C.) will usually be covered. However, if an active member is in fact commuting to a place of employment from a distance, which renders it impractical for the panel law firm to handle the transaction, the member will be given a reimbursement benefit in lieu thereof.
   
   
2. II. Areas Covered by the Reimbursement Benefit
   The reimbursement benefit is intended to cover transactions in Connecticut and locations which, although within a commutable distance of an active member's place of employment, are outside the geographic coverage area and not otherwise serviceable by the panel law firm. The Fund will reimburse active and retired members up to $750.00 (less the $60.00 co-payment) to cover reasonable attorney's fees incurred in connection with real estate transactions involving primary residences outside the geographic areas covered by the plan, and, although within a commutable distance of an active member's place of employment, not otherwise serviceable by the panel law firm. Retired members outside the geographic coverage area are also eligible for the same benefit as active members.

Please be advised that the intent of these rules is to limit coverage of real estate transactions solely to the purchase or sale of a covered member's primary residence and not to cover summer, vacation or second homes, which are not covered by the Fund due to financial constraints.

"Commuting Distance" is defined as within 100 miles of the member's school district/place of employment.

To receive reimbursement, you must submit a written request for same, with a copy of an attorney's bill for legal expenses indicating that same have been paid to the Port Chester Teachers Association Welfare Trust Fund c/o Jeffrey D Querfeld, Fund Administrator, 4 Fox Hill Road, Valhalla, NY 10595 no later than 60 days from the date of your closing. Requests not submitted within this time limit will be denied.

Please contact the Fund should you have any questions, comments or concerns.