If you travel to work by public transportation, you can save money by taking part in the City of New York Commuter Benefits Program, which covers the city and the tri-state area. This city benefit enables UFT members to pay for allowable commuting costs with tax-free funds.

UFT members can save money by taking advantage of discounts on merchandise and services that the union has negotiated on their behalf.

All eligible in-service UFT members and their dependents have prescription drug coverage through the UFT Welfare Fund. 

UFT members who are teachers or other pedagogical staff — including school counselors, social workers and school psychologists — may apply for a sabbatical leave to enhance their teaching skills, restore their health if they are ill or achieve state certification in a shortage area. 

As a member of the UFT Welfare Fund, you and your eligible dependents can obtain optical services once every two years.

In-service UFT members have the protection of a short-term disability plan that can provide valuable income when personal illness renders them temporarily unable to work.