Yes, the Fund will pay for contact lenses as per the fee schedule, but not in addition to glasses.

The benefit includes a complete pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses and, if necessary, a basic eye exam.

First, you need to confirm your eligibility for benefits, then (if eligible) obtain services from a provider. You and your covered family members are entitled to an eye exam, and eyeglasses or contact lenses once every year. You can check your...

Members and their spouse/ domestic partner who are also members are entitled to special coordination of benefits (SCOB). This entitles each eligible family member, upon request at the same time for two (2) covered services, one (1) service under each...

We suggest that you use your optical benefits only for full services, which include glasses or contacts along with an eye exam. If you use your benefits and only get the exam we will pay $20 toward an exam fee, but you will be deemed to have used the...

Both the GVS website and the GVS app (on iOS or Android) allow you to verify eligibility for optical benefits, locate in-network providers, and submit claims.

As is presently the case, GVS will mail your EOB after paying your claim.

All Personal Health Information (PHI) managed in relation to this program (as well as all other Welfare Fund programs) is maintained in adherence with federal laws requiring strict security in terms of use, storage, and disposition.

No. Although claims can be submitted electronically, they will continue to be paid by check mailed to your address of record.

Active members can request duplicate/corrected W-2s via the DOE Payroll Portal. Those who have separated from DOE service must email the W-2 duplicate/correction form to W2unit [at] schools [dot] nyc [dot] gov (W2unit[at]schools[dot]nyc[dot]gov). The W-2 Unit can be reached at 718-935-4373.

In-service DOE employees can access their W-2, 1127 waiver and 1095-C tax forms online on the NYCAPS Employee Self Service web page. DOE employees must choose the option for electronic delivery of their tax forms through NYCAPS and then will receive...

You need to complete a Comprehensive Injury Report and return it to your principal within 24 hours. Make sure to tell the person attending to you that your injury or illness is work-related. Your doctor must complete an OP 198 Absence form, which you...

For specific steps to take and forms to complete, visit the Line of Duty Injury section of the UFT website. The DOE’s Comprehensive Injury/Accident Report, including a description of the accident/incident and witness statements, must be filled out in...

You may find the NYCDOE media consent form here: https://infohub.nyced.org/docs/default-source/default-document-library/…, and one for any materials filmed in conjunction with the UFT: https://www.uft.org/sites/default/files...

Department of Education employees may choose to receive their W-2, 1127 Waiver and 1095-C forms electronically instead of on paper. Electronic delivery is voluntary, secure and accurate. You can also download the documents to your computer. To choose...

If you fail to submit the form or return after five years, you must serve a four year probationary period, which can be reduced up to two years for prior satisfactory service in the same license.

Yes. Any member returning from a leave of absence of 18 months or more must complete a new enrollment. You can see your chapter leader for an enrollment form or call the Forms Hotline. Your school secretary must also file a pending payroll...

For years, GVS has served as the third-party administrator for the Welfare Fund’s optical program, providing services such as claim processing. GVS will now also maintain new resources such as the program's website and mobile app. Their dedicated UFT...

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...

Yes, however it is to your advantage to use a participating provider. First, you can take advantage of additional discounts our panelists provide. Second, if you have a problem, the UFT Welfare Fund will help resolve any issues. If you use a non...

Before you retire you have: The right to borrow from your TRS account. The right to participate in the TRS tax-deferred annuity program. Benefits for your family if you die after one year of service. After you retire you receive: A guaranteed pension...

COBRA is the federal law that enables you to purchase continuation of coverage when you lose eligibility for health coverage. Most UFT members have health coverage from two separate sources: the New York City Health Plan for medical/hospital benefits...

STEP 1: NYCAPS : go to www.nyc.gov/ESS and log in. Enter your USER ID (your 7-digit Employee ID /Reference Number found on your paystub. Your temporary password consists of the last two digits of your SSN, an underscore (_), the first three letters...

The Supplemental Health Insurance Program (SHIP) is a unique package of benefits developed by the Retired Teachers Chapter of the United Federation of Teachers (UFT-RTC) exclusively for its members. It provides a supplement to coverage available...

Pedagogical employees may donate CAR days to another employee only if the recipient has a catastrophic sickness. The recipient does not have to be a pedagogical employee and may belong to a different payroll bank. However, DOE employees cannot donate...

Teachers, school psychologists, guidance counselors, school social workers, librarians, attendance teachers, school secretarial staff and laboratory specialists may be permitted to withdraw a resignation. Take the following steps: Contact the NYC...

You may update your permanent home address and/or other contact information by logging in to the TRS website. Any updated information that you provide to TRS through their website will take effect immediately. As an alternative, TRS in-service...

New members receive a “Designation of QPP (Qualified Pension Plan) Beneficiary Form” with their TDA enrollment application and should file both forms together. Participants in the Tax Deferred Annuity Program should designate a beneficiary for their...

Members will receive reimbursement for classroom expenditures made within the annual spending period at the amount allocated for their job title. Then, they must submit an accountability form with receipts to the school to show the entire amount has...

You can fill out a new COPE contribution form either online or in print and then return your completed form to your chapter leader. The most recent submitted amount will take precedence. COPE enrollment form for in-service members COPE enrollment...

Yes, you can. If two or more program participants wish to pool all or any portion of their Teacher's Choice funds to purchase an item for a shared class or assignment, each must complete their own Teacher’s Choice accountability form. All...

The simplest way to contribute to COPE is by signing a payroll deduction form, which pledges you to pay a specified amount of your choice each month to the COPE fund; typically members contribute at least $5 per month. You can also enroll online...

Yes. Dependent children up to age 26 can be enrolled in the Welfare Fund at no cost. Use the Welfare Fund's online Update Your Information (Change of Status) form to enroll a dependent under age 26. Also, young adults ages 26-29 can be enrolled in...

You may submit a Prescription Drug Reimbursement Form (also available by calling our Forms Hotline at 212-539-0539) with a copy of the paid pharmacy receipt, indicating the patient name, drug name, dosage and quantity.

Yes. A child who is living with and financially dependent on a grandparent is eligible for coverage. You’ll need to submit a Change of Status form and a Dependent Child Affidavit, or request these forms from the Forms Hotline at 212-539-0539.

You can buy the prescription drug you need now. Once you receive the card, submit an original receipt to the Fund for reimbursement. Use the Drug Reimbursement Form for in-service members or call the Forms Hotline at 212-539-0539 to receive them by...