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New optional rider choices for retirees with GHI Senior Care

Retirees with GHI Senior Care may now choose to purchase the 365‑day hospitalization rider separately from the prescription drug rider — you no longer have to buy both together. Learn more »

Scheduled Benefit Plan

This plan provides benefits for covered services under a reimbursement schedule, called the “Schedule of Covered Dental Expenses" which lists most covered services and the maximum reimbursement amounts.

What is the SHIP health insurance program for retired teachers?

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...

Death benefit

The plan provides for a benefit to the beneficiary of the in-service member.

Is it possible to donate days from my CAR bank to a sick colleague?

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...

SHIP HIPAA Privacy Policy

Federal law prevents SHIP from speaking to another person about your medical information and claims.

Mercury removal

By law all mercury must be removed from our schools.

Retirement Toolkit

Planning to retire? Here's the information you need.

What are the steps I must take to rescind my resignation from the DOE and return to active service?

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...

How can I update my personal information with the Teachers Retirement System (TRS)?

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...

Line of Duty Injuries

Pedagogues – teachers, guidance counselors, school secretaries, psychologists, social workers and lab specialists – injured or made sick on the job are covered by the Injury-in-the-Line-of-Duty provision of the UFT-DOE contract.

2024 Retired Teachers Chapter elections

The 2024 Retired Teachers Chapter elections will take place this spring. The elections will determine various leadership positions, including chapter leader, vice chairs, secretaries, treasurer, and executive board members.

How may I choose or change a beneficiary?

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...

Using Teacher’s Choice

Teacher’s Choice, initiated by the UFT over 30 years ago, allows school staff members to exercise their professional judgment to purchase supplementary supplies and materials to improve the educational experience for their students. Here are answers...

SHIP Frequently Asked Questions

See the FAQ below for answers to common questions about the SHIP program for retired members.

How does the Teacher's Choice program work?

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...

Health Benefits

As new UFT members, you can now enroll online with the Welfare Fund.

How can I change my COPE contribution?

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...

School safety violations and complaints

Under Article 10B of the UFT-DOE contract, you have the right to file a safety complaint over violations of the school safety plan.

Optional rider reimbursement

Each year at the beginning of March, eligible retired members receive a partial reimbursement from the UFT Welfare Fund for the cost of an optional drug rider that provides prescription coverage from their insurance carrier.

How can I contribute to COPE?

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...

DOE Memo: Continuation of Extended Rights and Benefits for Military Leave

This memo, dated Dec. 13, 2002, details the Department of Education's policy regarding the city's Extended Military Benefits Package.

DOE guidance on bulletin boards

Guidance from the DOE on school bulletin boards with related student privacy guidance as posted in Principals Digest, 4/9/24.

Am I able to team up with other staff members to pool funds to enable a larger purchase using our Teacher's Choice funds?

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...

Contracts & resources

Our hub for Federation of Nurses member resources includes chapter contracts, important forms, information about union dues and a collection of articles about self-care and wellness.

I have two children ages 24 and 28. Can I add them to my UFT Welfare Fund coverage?

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...

Chapter Leader Hub Overview

We designed the Chapter Leader Hub to provide a one-stop-shop for the documents, forms and guidance you need in your crucial work as a UFT chapter leader. The hub is packed with information specific to your school chapter and contains the forms...

Use the union’s advocacy tool to help English language learners

UFT members can use the union’s English language learners complaint form to advocate for English language learners.