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Optical
As a member of the UFT Welfare Fund, you and your covered dependents are entitled to an eye exam, and eyeglasses or contact lenses.
Optical network grows
The number of optical stores available to UFT Welfare Fund-eligible members has increased by almost 800 nationwide with the addition of Visionworks to the General Vision Services network.
Optical benefits look sharper
Union members enrolled in the UFT Welfare Fund and their eligible dependents can now get eyeglasses or contact lenses more frequently, for less money out of pocket and from more optical stores than ever.
Special coordination of benefits for the optical plan
Does Special Coordination of Benefits (SCOB) apply to the Optical Plan? Yes. Members and their spouse/ domestic partner who are also members are entitled to SCOB.
UFT raises optical, hearing aid benefits
The UFT enhanced its Welfare Fund optical benefit and hearing aid benefit for in-service members and retirees on March 1.
Are contact lenses covered under the optical plan?
Yes, the Fund will pay for contact lenses as per the fee schedule, but not in addition to glasses.
What is included in the UFT Welfare Fund optical benefit?
The benefit includes a complete pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses and, if necessary, a basic eye exam.
How do I obtain the UFT Welfare Fund optical benefit?
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...
Forms and Documents
Quick links to key forms.
Forms & documents
Whether you are renewing a license, submitting proof of training to DOH, or applying for the new market rate, here you can find the forms and information you'll need.
Paraprofessional Forms
Forms and DOE documents for paraprofessionals.
If I am married to another UFT member, do I get additional optical benefits?
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...
If I get an eye exam but will not be getting glasses, should I use my optical benefits at this time?
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...
Lab Specialist Forms
Forms for lab specialists.
UFT Consent Form
Download the consent form to name, photograph, film or videotape a student for non-profit use.
Important forms & links
See important forms and links pertinent to members of the Federation of Nurses.
Appendix A — Grievance Forms 1
If you believe that a supervisor has violated your contractual rights and you have been unable to resolve your issue informally, ask your chapter leader to file a Step 1 grievance against the DOE on your behalf. Grievances are all filed online now...
1099 tax forms
The Teachers’ Retirement System issues 1099 tax forms each January to people who received distributions from TRS in the previous year.
PPEP Inquiry Form
Do you have questions about any of our trainings? Are you interested in receiving program improvement coaching and support? Complete our form and a PPEP team member will connect with you.
What do the GVS website and GVS mobile app do in regards to our optical benefits?
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.
How do I obtain an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) from the Welfare Fund's optical program?
As is presently the case, GVS will mail your EOB after paying your claim.
How does the Welfare Fund's optical program keep my personal information safe?
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.
Optional Rider Claim Forms
Optional rider claim forms for retirees - NYC based and non-NYC plans
TRS’ ‘proof of life’ form
TRS may ask retirees to complete a Retirement Allowance Verification Form annually. If you receive such a letter, don't ignore it.
Request a copy of Form 1095-B
Form 1095-B, Health Coverage, is a tax form that reports the type of health coverage you have, any dependents covered by your insurance policy and the period of coverage for the prior year. In accordance with the federal Patient Protection and...
School Counselor Forms and Documents
Forms and UFT, DOE and NYSED documents for school counselors.
Can the Welfare Fund pay my optical claims through direct deposit or a third-party app?
No. Although claims can be submitted electronically, they will continue to be paid by check mailed to your address of record.
Appendix C — Grievance Forms Step 1 Grievance
The form below is a sample. Learn more about filing a grievance here. Grievance Sample Form School: Name of Grievant: Title: (teacher, guidance counselor, etc.:) File number: Date Grievance Occurred: Set forth specifically the act or condition and...