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.

Workers’ compensation can provide valuable benefits to full- or part-time paraprofessionals, school nurses, occupational or physical therapists, administrative employees and substance abuse prevention/intervention specialists who have a work-related injury or occupational illness.

Paraprofessionals perform vital work in schools. There are career ladder positions available for paras as well as opportunities for educational advancement for paras interested in becoming teachers, school counselors, psychologists or other titles.

When you need legal assistance, it can be costly and stressful. That’s why the union recently introduced a Legal Services Plan, which provides in-service UFT members with access to attorneys who will assist them, for free or at discounted rates. 

The UFT has added a new state-of-the-art tool, the 3D mammogram, to its programs of compassionate support and excellent clinical care for members facing a cancer diagnosis.

If you travel to work by public transportation, you can save money by participating in the City of New York Commuter Benefits Program, which covers New York City and the tri-state area.

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.