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Frequently Asked Questions

You can search the FAQs on our website by keyword or category above. 

A list of the most commonly asked questions.

What is the student debt relief program?

The Student Debt Relief program is a special members-only program to help you navigate the federal public service loan forgiveness program and the federal Title 1 forgiveness program. We have partnered with an outside firm so that our members have access to experts who can help guide you and advise you.

To participate, first, sign up for an information session. After that session, you can make a phone appointment for an individual phone consultation with a loan specialist to go over your specific situation, see what you qualify for and come up with an action plan. This phone consultation is free for members only. Then, you can take the action plan you create and move forward on your own, or you can hire the outside company to do the work for you.

Can my husband/wife participate/attend a workshop/make an appointment to learn more about the Student Debt Relief program?

Only if they are also UFT members, as the Student Debt Relief program is exclusive to our members.

How do I sign up for a phone appointment to speak to someone about the Student Debt Relief program?

Once you attend an information session, you will receive an email that allows you to register. To sign up for an information session, go to: http://www.uft.org/our-benefits/student-debt-relief-program

Can I get an in-person phone consultation about the Student Debt Relief program?

Yes. You can email StudentDebtRelief@uft.org and make that request.

What is the Peer Intervention Program (PIP)?

The UFT’s Peer Intervention Program (PIP) allows you to receive confidential one-on-one help from highly experienced, specially selected colleagues who will create individualized professional development plans with you to emphasize your strengths and improve your shortcomings.

With the Peer Intervention Program (PIP), you can take charge of your own professional standards, address instructional issues and turn your career around. Or, after working with your intervenor for several months you decide your career is not fulfilling, with the help of a PIP career counselor, you can discover one that is. This can be either within the education field or a completely different career path.

How can I request help from the Peer Intervention Program (PIP)?

You can apply by using our online form

PIP is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and is located at 50 Broadway, 15th Floor, NY, NY, 10004. Summer hours are from 9 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. Monday through Thursday. If you have any questions, please call us at (212) 844-0600 or email us at pip@uft.org.

Who should apply to the Peer Intervention Program (PIP)?

Tenured teachers who are having trouble because of supervisors’ evaluations, formal warnings, or Ineffective/U ratings should apply. PIP also works with teachers who have not been rated as Ineffective or U-rated who are seeking to take charge of their professional craft. In any case, the program is voluntary and the ultimate decision to apply is a personal one. The only requirements are that the educator is teaching in a full time program with regular continuous classes and is committed to pursuing a high level of professional growth.

I am struggling with my classroom/classroom management/lesson planning this year. What services do you have to help me?

Reach out to the Peer Intervention Program (PIP) at the UFT. The UFT’s Peer Intervention Program (PIP) allows you to receive confidential, non-evaluative one-on-one help from highly experienced, specially selected colleagues who will create individualized professional development plans with you to emphasize your strengths and improve your shortcomings.

Who is eligible for lump-sump payments?

All active and continuously employed UFT-represented DOE employees who worked between Nov. 1, 2009 and April 30, 2018 without a separation from service, other than retirement, are eligible.

Are new employees eligible for lump-sum payments?

Employees hired after April 30, 2018 are not eligible for lump-sum payments.