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How can I talk with someone at the UFT via phone?
The UFT’s new contact center is open and can provide support with all your union rights and benefits. Call the following numbers with any questions or for assistance: DOE members, 212-331-6311 DOE functional chapter members, 212-331-6312 UFT Welfare...
What are the responsibilities of a chapter leader?
As chapter leader, your responsibilities include the following: Holding at least six regularly scheduled chapter meetings each year. Forming a chapter consultation committee,meeting monthly with the committee and the principal, and reporting the...
What is the HCFSA Program/Flexible Spending Account and how can it help with medical expenses? What is this?
The HCFSA is a flexible spending account for health care expenses. Here is how the HCFSA Program works: First, you contribute before-tax dollars into your HCFSA account via automatic payroll deductions. Next, in order to receive reimbursement, you...
What rights do nursing mothers have to express breast milk while at work? What help/accommodations are available to meet their needs?
DOE employees needing to express breast milk at work have the right to a lactation space. In accordance with state labor law, updates have been made to the DOE's lactation accommodation policy. DOE employees needing to express breast milk at work...
How can I update my personal information (primary address, primary phone number, primary email) on record with the Federation of Nurses?
You can update your personal information directly on the UFT.org website. You must be a registered user on the UFT website to do so. If you haven't registered yet, see instructions on how to do so. To update your email address only, log in to the UFT...
When is it appropriate to amend an IEP after the annual review without an IEP team meeting?
In general, only minor changes in the IEP should be made without an IEP team meeting. Changes in the student’s program recommendations and changes that require the participation of the school psychologist on the IEP team cannot be made without a...
What feedback will I be receiving after an observation is conducted in my classroom?
Feedback is non-evaluative information about an observation that you should receive within ten days of an observation. The feedback can be via email, written, or face-to-face. Teachers can indicate a preference for the format of their feedback during...
How can I submit documents to the DOE via HR Connect?
The DOE's HR Connect portal permits users to upload forms and files. Once you have logged into your account, you can submit supporting documents to HR Connect and it is no longer necessary to send them via fax. See step-by-step instructions for how...
How do I sign up for UFT text messages?
Simply fill out the online form at www.uft.org/text or type the word " UFT" to number 86366. The UFT uses text messages to convey important information and reminders to members. Please note that this is a one-way form of communication and we are...
If we see or capture a suspected bed bug in a classroom, should we close the room until a Pest Management Professional inspects it?
No. If it is a bed bug, it is likely that it was unknowingly brought it into the school by someone who encountered it in another place. If you have captured it, you may have already eliminated the problem. Additionally, many suspected bed bugs are...
I had surgery and now I am being billed for the anesthesia because HIP rejected the claim. Can I file with the Fund for payment?
Yes, the Welfare Fund pays 80 percent of reasonable and customary charges when the benefit is not covered by HIP PRIME for in-service members. To file for payment, you need to complete a Welfare Fund anesthesia claim form and attach an itemized paid...
I am a GHI subscriber and I need some medical equipment (known as durable medical equipment). Can I file for reimbursement with the UFT Welfare Fund?
First, submit your claim to GHI for reimbursement. If GHI reimburses you minus the $100 deductible, in-service members can then submit a completed Welfare Fund GHI DME deductible reimbursement form, along with the GHI explanation of benefits to the...
What tax deductions are teachers and educators eligible to claim?
Eligible educators can deduct from their federal income taxes up to $300 of unreimbursed expenses for books, supplies, computer equipment (including related software and services), other equipment and supplementary materials they use in the classroom...
How do I join the UFT's Retired Teachers Chapter?
Retiring members who wish to continue their UFT membership and take advantage of our many benefits must enroll to join the Retired Teachers Chapter. You can enroll online or download an application form on the UFT website and mail it to us at: UFT...
How do I submit my SHIP application to the UFT?
You can download the SHIP application from the UFT website and mail it along with payment listed on the form to: SHIP, 52 Broadway, 17th fl., New York, NY 10004
What information do I need to enter on my application for the Retired Teachers Chapter?
When filling out your application to join the Retired Teachers Chapter (RTC), please include your name, file number/UFT ID number, exact retirement date, current contact information and pension provider. To avoid a delay in processing, please...
How do I sign up for a UFT.org account?
To access valuable information, UFT emails and online forms on the UFT website, you must have a UFT.org account. Start by visiting uft.org/register. Please note: You must use a personal email (not a DOE or a school-related email address) when...
How do I sign up for a website account with the Federation of Nurses?
To access valuable information, UFT emails and online forms, you must have a UFT.org account where you can access the Federation of Nurses web page. Setting up a UFT.org account and joining the union are two separate processes. Start by visiting uft...
What is the process to upload documents to the Welfare Fund?
Follow these steps to upload documents to the Welfare Fund: Login at UFT.org Click on My Account Locate and click on the appropriate application button, either Enroll in the Welfare Fund or Change of Status Form On the Confirmation or Pending page...
What is considered a "non-attendance" day?
There are certain reasons that a member may be absent from work but still be paid, and without being required to use a CAR day, that are called “non-attendance” days. Here are the reasons you may be able to apply for a non-attendance day: appearance...
Is it possible to be video taped/recorded as part of my teacher evaluation/rating?
If you would like that option, teachers may choose to be videotaped during their Initial Planning Conference with their evaluator. Videotaping can’t happen without a teacher’s consent on the form that is handed in during the IPC.
A member/colleague has passed away and I would like to get an obituary in the UFT paper/New York Teacher. Who can I notify?
We don't publish obituaries in the UFT paper, but they are published on our UFT Honors web site at https://ufthonors.uft.org. Please fill out our online form to tell us about the life of a UFT member who has died.
Does New York State offer loan forgiveness programs for new teachers?
Newly hired teachers and school clinicians in certain shortage areas in select districts may be eligible for the Department of Education Loan Forgiveness Program for their student loans. Your DOE hire date must be between Sept. 3 and Nov. 15 of the...
How does a dependent or spouse claim pension funds if a UFT member passes?
If they are the retiree's pension beneficiary, they can contact the Teachers' Retirement System (TRS) and the UFT Pension Department. A member's beneficiary (or representative) must first submit a certified or original death certificate to TRS for...
What should I do if I have been the victim of an assault at school?
The DOE-UFT contract offers you protection and strong support if you have been assaulted while on duty. As well as notifying your principal within 24 hours, you should notify the UFT Health and Safety Department by filing an online safety/discipline...
What's the difference between terminal leave and termination pay?
Termination Pay: You retire with all your Cumulative Absent Reserve (CAR) days and are paid out for half your days at your daily rate. Terminal Leave: You use your CAR days, every 2 days in reserve counting as one day, to stay on payroll and retire...
What should be done if the administration changes an IEP to meet the school's needs?
All recommendations on an IEP, including the subjects and number of periods for ICT, must be determined by, and designed to address, the student’s needs, NOT the school’s needs. IEP recommendations must not be based on the services currently offered...
Am I eligible for prescription drug coverage? Is there a waiting period?
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. In fact, after enrolling in the Welfare Fund, newly enrolled members who are...
Can you explain the Dependent Care Assistance Program (DeCAP)?
DeCAP is a tax savings, payroll deduction program through which you may submit claims for reimbursement for child care services such as babysitting and summer day camp, or for the cost of caring for an elderly parent who spends at least half of the...
I heard lead paint was discovered in my school. What safety measures are being taken to correct this situation?
The Department of Education recently informed the UFT that it discovered potential lead exposure from peeling paint in early child education classrooms in roughly 300 schools. The UFT will be closely following the DOE’s efforts to ensure that all the...
How do I get a record of my CTLE/continuing education credit hours? What records do I need to keep of my CTLE hours?
If taken through ASPDP, you can access your transcripts and course certificates directly from your participant account on the ASPDP website; this will serve as your record of CTLE hours and earned A+ and P credit. The UFT’s LearnUFT program has...
What health & safety precautions should be taken for staff who handle student toileting accidents & diapering needs?
In accordance with the Occupational Safety & Health Administration's (OSHA) Blood-Borne Pathogens Standard, the NYCDOE requires District Schools and Pre-K Centers to institute the Exposure Control Plan (ECP) as an effort to minimize employees' risk...
Can I join the UFT if I am a day-to-day substitute teacher, a substitute paraprofessional or part-timer?
Yes, you can. You can join the union by filling out our online enrollment form. If you have any questions or run into difficulty with the online union enrollment process, please call the UFT at 212-331-6311.
How do I change my name on record with the UFT?
You must provide a legal document (marriage certificate, etc.) for proof of name change. If you receive Welfare Fund benefits, you should fill out the fill out the Welfare Fund’s Change of Status Form on the UFT website to change your name. If you...
I am a UFT retiree and am a “snowbird.” How do I update my secondary address on file with the union?
From the “My Account” page of the UFT website, you will also find a link to Change of Status/Update your Information form to update your secondary address. Requests to add or update a secondary address can also be made by email to membership [at] uft [dot] org (membership[at]uft[dot]org)...
How can I update my personal information (primary address, primary phone number, primary email) on record with the UFT?
You can update your personal information directly on the UFT website or the Member Hub. You must be a registered user on the UFT website to do so. If you haven't registered yet, see instructions on how to do so. To update your email address only, log...