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At what age am I required to receive required minimum distributions (RMD) from my retirement accounts?

The federal SECURE Act 2.0 has raised the age at which individuals must begin taking required minimum distributions (RMDs) from their retirement accounts to 73, as of January 2023. The RMD age has increased to 73 for people who turn age 72 after 2022...

How do I apply for a career & technical education (CTE) salary differential?

CTE teachers can now apply for salary differentials through the DOE's salary application system (DOE login required). Learn more about how to qualify for CTE differentials and areas of specialization. »

Can I access my W-2 or other tax forms online?

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...

Can paraprofessionals take a leave of absence to student teach if they are working on credentials to become a full-time teacher?

The DOE provides eligible paraprofessionals with a 40-day paid leave of absence to complete student teaching requirements if paraprofessionals are enrolled in a program to earn credentials to become full-time teachers as there are instances when...

I was a paraprofessional and am now a teacher. How do I transfer my CAR sick days and vacation days from my para bank to my new bank?

Following a title change (e.g., from paraprofessional to teacher or another role), employees may transfer days from their old bank to their new bank by filling out a CAR Transfer Request form . The school payroll secretary processes the form to...

How can I change my city health plan and enroll in a different plan?

A Health Benefits Transfer Period for city employees, such as DOE staff, is held once each year, usually in November. During this period, all employees may transfer from their current health plan to any other plan for which they are eligible, or they...

I am completing coursework for an additional certification. Would these courses also be eligible for A+ credit?

In addition to ASPDP courses, teachers may also qualify for A+ credit for coursework taken to achieve additional certification in one or more of the following designated areas: Special Education Health Bilingual extension TESOL certificate inclusive...

What is the new Students with Disabilities (All Grades) state teaching certificate? How do you qualify to obtain this certification?

As of Sept. 28, 2022, the state Education Department created a new Students with Disabilities (All Grades) certificate that permits teachers to teach students with disabilities in pre-K through Grade 12 in New York State public schools. The Students...

When we work after our contract expires but before a new one has been instituted, do we still maintain all our rights and terms of employment?

Yes. Under state law governing public employees, the terms of an expired contract stay in effect until a new agreement is reached.

How can I renew my school parking permit? What are the deadlines to do so?

Members can apply for parking permit renewals through the DOE’s parking permit self-service portal when it opens each September through early October (the portal works best in Google Chrome). Deadlines to renew vary each year, but they are usually in...

I received a letter of discontinuance from my principal. Do I have any recourse?

Members who receive letters of discontinuance should file an appeal through their borough office. See the hours and locations of UFT borough offices. Anyone who has been discontinued should ask to copy everything in their personnel file. Teachers are...

What do I do if my paper paycheck is lost, stolen or damaged?

If a paper check is lost, stolen or mutilated, a stop payment must be placed on it. To report a stolen, mutilated or lost check contact the DOE Check Management Unit at 718-935-2219 or send an email to CheckManagement [at] schools [dot] nyc [dot] gov (CheckManagement[at]schools[dot]nyc[dot]gov). You must...

Has the New York State Education Department updated requirements for liberal arts core courses needed to obtain teacher certification?

Yes. The New York State Board of Regents voted to eliminate the general core in liberal arts and sciences (LAS) requirement for certification, which included coursework in the following areas: artistic expression, communication, information retrieval...

Has the New York State Education Department made any changes to science teaching certification requirements?

Yes, to help alleviate persistent statewide shortage areas in the sciences, which include biology, chemistry, earth science, and physics, NYSED has revised the content core requirement from 30 credits to 18 credits for anyone already holding a...

Has the New York State Education Department made any changes to the literacy teaching certification?

Yes, NYSED created a new Literacy (All Grades) certificate which may be applied for through the individual evaluation pathway as of June 29, 2022. This new Literacy (All Grades) certificate replaced the Literacy (Birth-Grade 6) and Literacy (Grades 5...

Will I need to complete CTLE hours if I need to renew my initial state certification?

No. The NY State Education Department allows candidates who have not been able to complete at least three years of acceptable experience for a professional certificate to renew their initial certificate for an additional five years. As of April 27...

Do I need to pass the edTPA exam to receive my state certification?

As of April 27, 2022, candidates who apply for state certification will no longer need to complete the edTPA exam. Candidates who already have an application on file with the New York State Education Department but have not yet met that requirement...

Have there been any special regulations or changes regarding certification and licensing for teachers in special education, performing arts, or who hold a library license?

Yes, in May 2020, the DOE negotiated new rules for certification, licensing and/or probation for teachers who hold a library license, for teachers of performing arts/drama and for teachers assigned to a special education program who have a non...

Do principals get to choose who to excess at their schools? Who decides which staff members are excessed?

Excessing is based on budget and student enrollment. When the budget or student enrollment drops, that can result in an excessing condition. Principals have a discretion, subject to review and approval, in determining which programs or license areas...

What seniority is used for excessing decisions? Citywide seniority or school building seniority?

Your citywide seniority is used—the amount of time you have been working for the DOE. That is compared to the citywide seniority of the other teachers in your school who have the same license as you. In an excessing situation, the least senior person...

I am a pre-K/3K teacher. What will happen to me regarding excessing?

There could be an excessing condition at a given 3-K/pre-K site. In such a case, excessing would be done in reverse seniority order. Early childhood-licensed teachers are grouped with common branch teachers, so the least senior teachers with those...

I am an ENL teacher. Can a school excess a teacher if it would put them in non-compliance?

No, schools must meet the mandates for special education and ENL. Sometimes schools attempt to excess a person who is mandated in order for a school to be in compliance, but DOE reviews those excesses and often stops them from happening.

What does excessing mean for an untenured teacher?

Even as an untenured teacher, excessing does not mean that you are out of a job. When you are excessed, you lose your position in your school, but you do not lose your job, your salary or your medical benefits. You will have the opportunity to find...

Where can I find the DOE Chancellor's Regulations?

Many are posted on the DOE website, organized by both subject and regulation number.

What benefits do paraprofessionals who belong to the Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS) receive?

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...

How do I get a job working in a New York City public school?

Aspiring teachers will find more information about various pathways for certified and uncertified teachers here: https://www.schools.nyc.gov/careers/teachers/aspiring-teachers. You can find more information, including an application, on the NYC DOE...

Can a parent record an IEP meeting?

Yes, the parent can make an audio recording of the IEP team meeting if the parent requests permission to make the recording in writing to the principal or chairperson at least one business day before the IEP meeting. If the parent makes an audio...

How can I find the DOE payroll portal?

The DOE Payroll Portal allows you to see your salary information, pay stubs and other personal information.

What does it mean to be employed in an F-status position?

To be "F-status" means you are working as a per diem employee engaged for a full term but for less than five full days per week (e.g., 2 days every week). The full/part-time employee receives a salary pro-rated for the time worked at 1/200th of the...

How do I know if the UFT has received my SHIP application?

We strive to have all applications processed as soon after the date of retirement as possible, but due to a high volume of applicants, please allow for up to one week's processing time. You will receive a welcome packet once your SHIP enrollment is...

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...

What information do I need to include on my SHIP application?

You must include: Your name Address Phone number Retirement date Social Security number A pension deduction authorization Please make sure to also sign off on the pension deduction authorization, or you will be charged a $30 administrative fee. If...

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

Do you have to be a member of the UFT Retired Teachers Chapter to qualify for SHIP benefits?

Yes. The UFT's Supplemental Health Insurance Program (SHIP) is a unique package of benefits developed by the UFT's Retired Teachers Chapter exclusively for its members. See more about SHIP benefits for RTC members »

How soon after receipt will my Supplemental Health Insurance Program (SHIP) application be processed?

The SHIP application process begins the day you retire and are enrolled as a UFT-RTC (Retired Teachers Chapter) member. We strive to have all applications processed on the day of retirement, but please allow for up to one week to complete the...

How much does the Supplemental Health Insurance Program (SHIP) cost? How much money do I need to send when I enroll?

Please refer to the SHIP card for the exact fees, as they depend on the time of year and whether or not you also enroll a spouse or domestic partner. You must pay upfront for the first year through December and the cost is $10.00 per month per person...