Thanks to the hard work of thousands of UFT members during a lengthy public campaign, the UFT was the first public-sector union in New York City to secure paid parental leave for the workers it represents.

All eligible in-service UFT members and their dependents have prescription drug coverage through the UFT Welfare Fund. There are no waiting periods for this coverage, and members have options to pick up or get delivery of most medications.

The process for checking your eligibility and accessing your optical benefits became easier as of Feb. 1.The UFT Welfare Fund has eliminated paper optical certificates and introduced a new digital process for providing your free or discounted eye exams, eyeglasses and contact lenses.

Through the UFT Welfare Fund, UFT-represented employees and their dependents can purchase a hearing aid and be reimbursed up to $1,000 once every three years.

The UFT Welfare Fund provides dental benefits through two programs: the Scheduled Benefit Plan, which provides services through the Welfare Fund panel of dentists or a dentist of your choice; and Dentcare, a no-cost dental HMO.

Over the years, the Member Assistance Program has supported thousands dealing with issues including work stress, marital or parenting difficulties, eating disorders and alcohol or substance use. In response to the pandemic, MAP began offering all its services virtually.

The coronavirus pandemic has prompted city health care providers and the UFT Welfare Fund to retool how they provide services while offering extra support for those who become infected with the coronavirus.

Many UFT-represented members have a unique and valuable benefit: the ability to take an extended child care leave and return to their job afterward. This benefit is for those who want to take more time off than paid parental leave or a FMLA benefit will allow.

All eligible in-service UFT members and their dependents have prescription drug coverage through the UFT Welfare Fund. There are no waiting periods for this coverage. Learn more about this valuable benefit.

The UFT offers high-quality courses and workshops designed and delivered by teachers and other educators through the UFT Teacher Center and LearnUFT and at its citywide conferences and summer institutes.