General questions and answers
What is the Fund?
The Fund was established to provide certain benefits to supplement City Basic Health Plans. It was created as a result of Collective Bargaining between the United Federation of Teachers and the New York City Department of Education located at 52 Chambers Street, New York, New York 10007. Employer contributions are predicated on the amount stipulated in the current Collective Bargaining Agreements and are provided at the annual rates, prorated monthly, on behalf of each covered member. Members, other than COBRA members, do not make contributions to the Fund.
Who administers the Fund?
A Board of Trustees administers the Fund. It consists of five persons designated by the United Federation of Teachers. Current members of the Board of Trustees are listed below and can be communicated with in writing at the Fund office. The Board of Trustees governs the Welfare Fund in accordance with an Agreement and Declaration of Trust. The Board of Trustees employs an Executive Director and staff who are responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Fund, including the determination of eligibility and the processing of claims.
The Trustees and the Executive Director of the Fund are subject to a body of law designed to protect the beneficiaries of the Fund. Under this body of law, they are mandated to submit the Fund’s financial records to an annual audit by Certified Public Accountants. They are further mandated to submit copies of these audits annually to the Internal Revenue Service. Copies of these reports are provided to the Comptroller of the City of New York.
Who are the current members of the Board of Trustees?
The current members of the Board of Trustees are:
- Michael Mulgrew, Chair
- Karen Alford
- Thomas Murphy
- Richard Mantell
- Leo Gordon
What are my rights of appeal?
Decisions of the Executive Director and the staff are subject to review by the Trustees upon appeal. The Fund Office uniformly applies all rules. The action of the Fund Office is subject only to review by the Board of Trustees. An appeal must be filed with the Fund Office within sixty (60) days of denial of the claim, by submitting notice in writing to the Board of Trustees, United Federation of Teachers Welfare Fund, 52 Broadway 7th floor, New York, New York 10004. The Trustees shall act on the appeal within a reasonable period of time and render their decision in writing, which shall be final, conclusive, and binding on all persons. If the Trustees have denied your appeal, and you still believe you are entitled to the benefit, you have a right to file suit in the New York State Supreme Court.
Do the contributions to the UFT Welfare Fund become part of the general treasury of the union?
No. The United Federation of Teachers and the United Federation of Teachers Welfare Fund are two (2) distinct and separate legal entities. Their resources are not commingled.
What becomes of the contributions that the Department of Education makes to the United Federation Teachers Welfare Fund?
Under the Agreement and Declaration of Trust, contributions to the Welfare Fund are used to provide benefits for covered members and their families and to finance the cost of administration.
Does the UFT Welfare Fund operate under ERISA?
No. The Fund is not subject to the provisions of the Employees Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA).
Does the UFT Welfare Fund Operate under the Supervision of the New York State Insurance Department?
No. The Fund is not within the jurisdiction of the New York State Insurance Department as it is a unilaterally operated trust fund, administered by union trustees only.