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How can I request help from the Peer Intervention Program (PIP)?
You can apply by using our online form. PIP is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and is located at 50 Broadway, 15th Floor, NY, NY, 10004. Summer hours are from 9 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. Monday through Thursday. If you have any questions...
What is Jarema credit? How may I apply for it?
You may receive credit to reduce your probationary time if you worked as a regular substitute or as an appointed teacher in the same license area and same division (i.e., elementary, junior high, high school) in which you are subsequently approved...
Can my dependent purchase coverage after his/her COBRA expires?
When a dependent child's COBRA coverage expires, he or she may be eligible to purchase Age 29 Young Adult Coverage. As long as both the member and dependent maintain their eligibility. This benefit will continue until the end of the month of the...
Do I have to join the union? Is membership automatic?
The answer to both these questions is no. The UFT is a democratic union and no one is forced to join. Nevertheless, an amazing 96 percent of all potential members choose to become UFT members. Nor is membership automatic, a frequent misconception...
My teacher certification is expiring. What action should I take? How do I apply for an extension?
If your certification is expiring you need to do the following: You will need to apply for the appropriate certificate through your Teach account. You will need to complete an OT 37 Verification of Paid Experience Form and submit to your Human...
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 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...
When will my classroom observations take place? What are the “windows”/time frame for evaluation?
Administrators can observe teachers for evaluative purposes at any time after the Initial Planning Conference and then through the first Friday in June. In addition, half the required minimum number of observations must take place in the fall term...
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...
Can staff members request that a child be initially evaluated for special education services?
A teacher, or other professional staff member, may request that a child be evaluated by completing the Request for Referral form (in SESIS). After receiving the request, the principal must take one of two actions within 10 school days: (1) request...
How does the mail order program work for prescription medications?
Maintenance medications (those taken regularly over an extended period) cannot be filled in monthly quantities after they have been filled three (3) times (original prescription plus two (2) refills), regardless of the number of refills indicated on...
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...
How can I fulfill DASA training requirements?
You must complete six hours of coursework from a provider approved by the New York State Education Department. You can find a list of approved providers at the NYSED website. The UFT is an approved provider and offers this course in its borough...
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...
When can I file a grievance?
In most cases, a grievance must be filed within 30 school days from the time you have knowledge of the act or condition that violates the contract. However, in certain types of grievances, the time limits are shorter. For example, all reorganization...
Can teachers take time off for religious observance for important holidays in their faith?
Yes. You may use your three personal business days for religious observance. These will be deducted from your CAR (sick bank) or you may take a pay deduction for each day that you do not report to work. The deducted amount will equal the amount that...
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...
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...
What is Workers’ Compensation and who is eligible for Workers’ Comp benefits?
Workers’ Compensation is a form of insurance, paid for in advance by your employer, which entitles you to full medical coverage and part of your salary for job-related injuries and illnesses. You are entitled to Workers’ Compensation no matter whose...
Can I change my pension tier?
You may qualify for a different tier if you switched tiers during a tier change period, or if you transferred your membership to TRS from another eligible retirement system. In addition, you can apply for reinstatement to your previous status if you...
How do I let the UFT know that my address has changed?
It is essential to keep your personal information up to date to ensure the receipt of the New York Teacher, information about UFT activities and Welfare Fund health benefits. There are several ways you can update your address: The quickest way to...
What happens if I do not give 30 calendar days’ notice for my resignation?
According to the Department of Education, employees who resign without providing notice will be given a problem code in their personnel file that will flag them for review should they wish to return to teaching. Chapter leaders have reported some...
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...
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...
How can I sign up to receive text messages from the Federation of Nurses?
The Federation of Nurses have started using texting as a method to send important updates to our members. To sign up, Use this link while on your mobile device (you’ll be asked to grant access to your text messaging app) or text "FON" to #86366. You...
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...
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)...
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...
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...
How many days notice do I have to give if I’m planning to resign?
We recommend you first contact your UFT borough office and speak with a UFT representative before you resign. DOE pedagogue employees who plan to resign must give at least 30 calendar days’ notice, according to Chancellor's Regulations. According to...
Do any UFT members qualify for a tax credit for overtime pay?
The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) sets nationwide rules for minimum wage, overtime pay and recordkeeping for most public and private workers. Employees covered by the FLSA may qualify for a new IRS-approved tax credit. Among UFT-represented...
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 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...
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...
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...