| TO: | ALL COUNTY OFFICES |
| FROM: | JANEL R. LUCK, DIRECTOR |
| SUBJECT: | BLIND PENSION LAWSUIT |
DISCUSSION:
On August 15, 2007, a Notice of Class Certification in the Gerken vs. Sherman class action lawsuit against the Department of Social Services was mailed to individuals who received or currently receive a blind pension, supplemental aid to the blind, or aid to the blind SP conversion payment. The lawsuit concerns how the annual increase in the blind pension grant amount is calculated and whether or not supplemental aid to the blind and aid to the blind SP conversion payments should come from the Blind Pension Fund. The notice is a legal notice to inform those individuals about the lawsuit and to advise them of their options. The notice has been published in the Jefferson City newspaper and is also available on the DSS website at www.dss.mo.gov.
If contacted by individuals who have questions about the notice, FSD staff cannot provide legal advice as to what the individual should do as a result of the notice. If the individual has legal questions about the notice, advise him or her to call the attorneys representing the Plaintiffs at the telephone numbers below:
- Deborah Greider or Amy Sanders at 314-872-9041
- Barbara Gilchrist at 314-977-3992.
In addition, individuals may contact the MoBar Lawyer’s Referral Service at 573-636-3635 or the local legal aid office.
If contacted by an attorney about the notice, refer him or her to David Hart, Assistant Attorney General, at 573-751-3321.
If contacted by the media, follow protocol for all media contact and notify the Division of Legal Services at 573-751-3229.
NECESSARY ACTION:
- Review this memorandum with all appropriate staff.
SD