Making the most of UFT membership
Thank you to our newest members for joining us at the UFT! As a union member, you have valuable rights and benefits and a voice in your professional life. See our FAQ below to learn important information about how to use your UFT membership to the fullest.
What is a chapter leader and how can they help me?
Your chapter leader is the elected representative of the UFT in your school building or job site and is the vital link between you and your administration/supervisors, as well as the union’s officers, borough representatives and district representatives. Your chapter leader can provide you with information on your union rights and can help you if those rights are disregarded. Start attending union meetings in your building to get to know your chapter leader and learn more about the benefits of being a UFT member.
What is the UFT Member Hub, and how can I create an account on the UFT website to access it?
The UFT Member Hub is a personalized section of the UFT website that provides easy access to all the helpful resources and information you need as a UFT member. Start by visiting www.uft.org/register to create an account on the UFT website. You must use a personal email, not a city Department of Education or a school-related address. Follow the steps, validate your email address and you’ll be all set. You can then sign into the hub with your UFT account information at hub.uft.org.
How can I find my UFT member ID number?
When accessing member benefits, you may be asked for your UFT member ID number. Your ID number can be found online in the “My Profile” section of the UFT Member Hub. It can also be found on the UFT mobile app and in the “My Account” section of the UFT website at www.uft.org. It is also included on your UFT membership card, which will be mailed to you. You also may call 212-331-6311 and ask a UFT representative to look up your ID number for you.
How do I sign up for text alerts and UFT emails to stay informed?
Once you have created an account on the UFT website, go to “My Account.” Click the purple “Edit” button, then scroll down to “Manage UFT messages” and subscribe to texts, emails or both. Click the “Save” button when finished. You can also sign up for texts by sending the word “UFT” to 86366.
What is the difference between my city health care plan and the health benefits provided by the UFT Welfare Fund?
The DOE covers your primary health insurance to see medical doctors and receive hospital coverage. There are several plans to choose from, and you can see a comparison chart on the UFT website. The UFT Welfare Fund covers supplemental benefits that include dental and optical care, prescription drugs and hearing aids.
How do I apply for city health benefits? How do I enroll in the UFT Welfare Fund?
Although full-time employees are covered from their first day of work, you must enroll in a city health plan within 30 days using the NYCAPS ESS system. See our FAQ on city health plans for new members on our website, www.uft.org, and check the coverage and cost for each plan by reviewing our health care comparison chart. You can enroll in the UFT Welfare Fund online, but you must have a UFT website account to do so.
How much are my union dues, and how are they deducted?
UFT dues vary by job title. You can see current amounts on the UFT website. Dues are deducted directly from paychecks; how often depends on your job title.
How do I know if I am eligible to earn a higher salary? What is the difference between salary steps and differentials?
DOE employees may be eligible for salary increases based on experience or academic credits. A “salary step” is an increase in salary based on how long you have been employed. With continuous service, you will move up two half steps per year. A “salary differential” is a pay increase based on coursework completed beyond a bachelor’s degree. In order to receive a higher salary for your advanced academic qualifications, you must fill out the DOE’s online salary differential form and upload transcripts and any other required documentation to the DOE. Make sure to use the UFT’s Salary Checkup Tool in the UFT Member Hub (login required) to review your current pay and any increases you may be eligible for.
What mentoring programs exist for new teachers?
If you are a first-year teacher, you are entitled to at least two periods a week of mentoring. Mentors are experienced colleagues who have been trained to support you by co-teaching or conducting demonstration lessons, offering suggestions about classroom management and helping you plan lessons. Your mentor does not report back to your principal, and all discussions are confidential and nonevaluative.
Mentors must log at least 40 hours into the DOE mentoring system, which is sent to the New York State Education Department. When you apply for your professional certificate, you will receive credit for a year of mentoring.
What other benefits do I receive as a UFT member?
The UFT offers a wide array of member services, like child care resources, student debt relief, legal services, mental health support and discounts on everything from financial services to travel and more. The UFT also hosts professional and personal interest committees, which can help you connect with your fellow union members.
Where can I find more information about issues important to new members?
Teachers with fewer than four years of experience should check out the New York Teacher’s to-do list, which is updated seasonally, for important action items, as well as the Resources for New Educators section of the UFT website (www.uft.org/teachers/new-teachers).