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...

The qualifying event date is the start date of your COBRA coverage. Under the COBRA rules, there can be no gap between when active coverage ends and COBRA coverage starts. Therefore, whether for yourself or a dependent, the qualifying event date...

As of March 1, 2025, the UFT Welfare Fund will reimburse a maximum of $4,000, which can be used once every three years, counted from your last day of service. If you use a preferred provider, you can receive at least a 25 percent discount on your...

Yes, the Welfare Fund provides a hearing aid benefit which issues a reimbursement up to a maximum of $4,000 every three years (counted from the date of your last service) for members and their dependents. You can use the Welfare Fund’s panel or...

The Helpline is a free, confidential support service dedicated to helping individuals and families dealing with medical and behavioral health illnesses.

Please call the Health and Cancer Helpline at 212-539-0515 and ask to speak with a Health and Cancer Helpline social worker.

All communication with the Helpline is confidential and private.

The Helpline is available to assist in-service members and retirees as well as their dependents.

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.

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...

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 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...

Once you’ve enrolled and the Fund receives confirmation from your school that you are on staff, your benefits are available from your first day of employment, but you must enroll first.

No. However, if the DOE declines your ILOD status and you believe you are still disabled, you can submit a Welfare Fund Disability application with a copy of the ILOD decision and a DOE leave of absence approval.

No, these are the limits for routine pregnancies. There are many variables that could affect the duration of maternity benefits. You should always apply and UFT Welfare Fund representatives will review your options with you.

Yes. For pedagogues, there is a 28-day unpaid waiting period after your sick bank is exhausted and you have been removed from the DOE payroll. For non-pedagogical employees and paraprofessionals, there is a 14-day unpaid waiting period which begins...

The maximum is 52 weeks based on an individual claim.

As of Nov. 1, 2024, teachers and other pedagogues approved for this benefit receive $575 a week for up to 52 weeks, while paraprofessionals and other groups in the same salary range receive $475 per week for up to 52 weeks. Learn more about...

Anesthesia is covered only if you are having surgery, like a tooth extraction.

If your tooth was impacted, it is considered a medical condition and therefore, the charge must be submitted to your health insurance provider. You may submit any unpaid balance to CIGNA with a copy of the explanation of benefits from your health...

Crowns, bridges and dentures can be replaced after five years.

The $150 co-payment is for a plain metal crown. If you and your dentist agree to use a precious metal crown, there will be additional cost to you.

Cleaning for adults is covered every three months. Exams are covered every six months (if using a participating dentist, there is a $15 co-payment).

If you see a participating dentist and authorize the dentist to be paid directly by CIGNA, there will not be a reimbursement to you. If you use a non-participating dentist, your claim will be processed and a reimbursement will be sent to you.

A Dental Schedule on the UFT Welfare Fund website displays the charges and reimbursements for most procedures. If you use a participating dentist, the procedures in black are free while those in red require a co-payment. If you choose a non...

You have options on how to receive your dental care. If you are enrolled in the Scheduled Benefit dental plan, the best choice would be a UFT Welfare Fund participating dentist. However, you can choose any non-participating dentist. See more...

A family member or beneficiary must submit a Welfare Fund Death Benefit Notification Form (available by calling the Fund’s Death Benefit Unit) along with a certified or original death certificate to the Welfare Fund. After verification of the...

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...

Call the Workers’ Compensation Unit in the UFT Safety and Health Department at 212-510-6460.

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...

Traveling tenure may reduce your probationary period. If you received tenure from the DOE in one license area and elect to take an appointment in a new license area, your probationary period will be reduced by one year. If you are eligible, contact...

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...

Yes. In addition, the administration must offer professional development at least once a year on its contents.

There is a standard template that is completed by your School Safety Committee. This committee meets at least once a month and includes the UFT chapter leader, the principal and the PA or PTA president. Or, at the minimum, the members of the...

You can request or have your chapter leader request an Online Occurrence Report System control number.

Pedagogues and paraprofessionals receive 24 semi-monthly checks — 20 for your service from September to June and four for July and August. To be eligible for full vacation pay, you need to have worked the entire school year. If you worked less than a...