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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.
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...
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.
Retirement Toolkit
Planning to retire? Here's the information you need.
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...
Teacher's Choice
The landmark City Council program, initiated by the UFT more than 25 years ago, reimburses educators — as determined by title — for the purchase of classroom and school supplies of their choice.
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...
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.
SHIP Frequently Asked Questions
See the FAQ below for answers to common questions about the SHIP program for retired members.
Health Benefits
As new UFT members, you can now enroll online with the Welfare Fund.
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.
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...
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...
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.
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.
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...
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...
APPR complaint
Our contract includes a provision that allows teachers to challenge procedural flaws in their observations and/or other aspects of their evaluation. This “streamlined process to resolve APPR compliance issues” has come to be known as the APPR...
Eligibility
You are eligible to be covered by the UFT Welfare Fund Benefits Plan for Retirees if all of the following criteria are met.
UFT COPE
Politics is union business. In hard economic times, political action is needed more than ever. Every member needs to enroll in UFT COPE.
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.
How can I get reimbursed for medication I bought when I was on vacation?
You may submit a Prescription Drug Reimbursement Form (also available by calling our Forms Hotline at 212-539-0539) with a copy of the paid pharmacy receipt, indicating the patient name, drug name, dosage and quantity.
Quick links
Quick links to popular topics for RTC members.
Can I add my grandchild to my UFT Welfare Fund benefits?
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.
Special class variances
The maximum class size for special classes and maximum chronological age ranges within these classes are specified in state regulations. The regulations permit variances from these requirements on a case-by-case basis, based on appropriate...
FAFSA defects depress applications
Problems with the U.S. Department of Education’s rollout of a new Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form and an understaffed call center caused a 3% drop in applications this year, a set of federal reports released in September found.