1. Make sure you have already enrolled with the UFT as either a member in active service or as a member of the Retired Teachers Chapter. You can enroll in the union directly on the UFT website. 
2. If you are newly hired, have you received a paycheck from your employer? If not, we may not yet be able to identify you. Please try verifying your identity once you have received your first paycheck. You may still be eligible to join the union or the UFT Welfare Fund, but you may have to briefly wait until we can verify your employment and identity.
3. Please use the first and last name that is shown on your paycheck. For retired members, use your name that was on record when you were in active service. Some members enroll with a different name than what official records reflect. We store the "pay name" in our membership system, as well as the name with which you enrolled.
4. In addition to your name, you will be asked to submit either your DOE file number or your social security number to verify your identity on our secure verification application. 
5. If you have recently moved and have not yet updated your address with the membership department or Welfare Fund, please use the previous zip code where you resided.
6. If you have not given the membership department or Welfare Fund any address, you will not be able to verify your identity until an address is on file.
7. If you are still having trouble verifying your identity, please contact the membership department at 212-701-9690 or the Welfare Fund at 212-539-0500.

Watch our video for step-by-step instructions:

• Make sure you are using the correct first and last name, birth date, Social Security number or 10-digit Welfare Fund ID number and zip code.
• Please use the first and last name that is shown on your paycheck, even if it differs from the name you used when you signed up for the website.
• If you have recently moved and have not yet updated your information with the Welfare Fund, please use the previous zip code where you resided.
• If you have not enrolled in the Welfare Fund, you will need to do so prior to updating your information.
• If you are adding a dependent after verifying your identity, use the birth date and SSN of the new dependent.

If you need further assistance, see our detailed instructions on changing your status. 

If you are enrolling in the Welfare Fund for benefits and are eligible, you should receive your insurance documents in 7-10 days. If you are enrolling with dependents for benefits, you must provide all specified required documents (marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.) for the enrollment to be processed.

New state regulations mandating the testing for lead in water in all public New York schools went into effect on Sept. 6, 2016. To comply with these state laws, the DOE has been testing all water outlets in all New York City schools for lead. You can access your school’s results on the DOE's Water Safety website.

Because lead does not absorb through the skin, state regulations do not require sinks that can be used for handwashing to be shut off if a sign is posted to tell people that the water is NOT to be used for drinking but can be used for handwashing. Water service to outlets found to have elevated levels of lead that are for the express purpose of drinking or cooking (i.e., fountains and kitchen sinks) must be shut off. Notify us if this is not being followed.

Following findings of elevated levels, the DOE will remediate the problem by identifying and removing whatever the source of the lead may be (i.e., brass fixtures, valves, fittings, solder, etc). The water will be retested for lead afterward. If the lead levels are below the state standard of 15 parts per billion (ppb), it can be returned to service and the sign be removed. If not, further remediation is required until test results show that lead levels are below 15 ppb at that outlet.

The water we source from the city is rigorously tested to ensure that it is safe; however, it may pick up lead once it enters a school building with lead in its plumbing system and especially after the water sits for long periods of time in pipes that may contain lead.

Citywide water testing in schools has occurred three times in the past, and historically we have not yet had a case of lead poisoning among members (and students) that was linked back to the water in their school. Nonetheless, we still recommend that if members think they have been exposed to lead that they ask their doctors for a blood lead test. Do let the UFT Safety and Health Department know if you have a diagnosis of elevated blood lead levels in your school. 

If you have any further questions, feel free to contact your district representative, borough safety and health specialist or the UFT safety and health department. To access your school’s water testing result, use the “Find a school” search function on the DOE website for school’s DOE page, click on “Data and Reports” and look for the “Facilities” heading.

Services include but are not limited to: immediate access to a full-time social worker to assess the health and wellness needs of the caller, on-going support from the helpline social worker, assistance with planning a leave of absence, health benefits information, MSK Direct (cancer care program) inquiries, referrals to quality community resources, and caregiver information and support.

You will receive immediate professional advice from a full-time social worker based on identified needs. The social worker will create a supportive plan and follow-up care with a series of telephone and/or in person contacts to assist the individual to resolve issues discussed during the initial assessment.

Yes. The Health and Cancer Helpline is available to individuals and their dependents who have been diagnosed with all types of medical or behavioral health illnesses.

Our caring staff will provide you with knowledge and information ranging from job leaves to accessing community resources. It may be useful to have a pen and paper available to take notes.

When you or a loved one are affected by illness and are in need of information, direction and support.

Yes, but we ask that you call ahead to schedule an appointment as this will ensure that time will be set aside for you.