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UFT statement on New York City vaccination policy

UFT President Michael Mulgrew issued the following statement responding to the announcement that all DOE employees will be required to receive at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine by Sept. 27.

UFT looks forward to working with Kathy Hochul

UFT President Michael Mulgrew issued the following statement responding to the news that New York State Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul will assume the role of Governor of New York upon the resignation of Andrew Cuomo, effective August 24, 2021.

City Council announces bill to cap classroom capacity

City Council Education Committee Chair Mark Treyger introduced a public health measure today that would update the city’s Administrative Code, raising the minimum per person classroom space to 35 square feet per student from the current 20 square...

UFT statement on New York City vaccination/testing policy

The UFT issued a response to Mayor Bill de Blasio's announcement that all city workers will be required by Sept. 13 to either be vaccinated or participate in weekly COVID-19 testing and be fully masked in the workplace.

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 2025

UFT members have committed themselves to the fight against breast cancer by partnering with the American Cancer Society for over 20 years. UFT members have collectively raised over $15 million dollars which directly funds the lifesaving work of the...

A rigorous curriculum in every school

We want to create classrooms that acknowledge the diverse talents, gifts, and learning styles of each and every student. The entire point is to ensure that the materials used better reflect the myriad of identities contained in each school and...

2021 ticker-tape parade to honor frontline workers

UFT members and other frontline workers were honored at a ticker-tape parade through the Canyon of Heroes in Lower Manhattan on July 7. 

UFT President Michael Mulgrew applauds decision by New York State Board of Regents to uphold New York City charter cap

UFT President Michael Mulgrew issued a statement in response to the New York State Board of Regents' decision to reject plans by four New York City charter schools to join together and open a new high school.

Recovery plan boosts literacy, special education and college readiness

A literacy initiative that focuses on getting students reading on grade level by 3rd grade is the top priority of the city’s Academic Recovery Plan unveiled on July 8 by Mayor Bill de Blasio. The plan details exactly how the city will spend $630...

UFT on New York City's Academic Recovery Plan

UFT President Michael Mulgrew's statements on New York City's Academic Recovery Plan, which was announced on July 8, 2021 by Mayor de Blasio.

Substance Use Questionnaire

If you are questioning your relationship with alcohol or other drugs, you are not alone. Use this questionnaire to reflect on your use of substances.

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...

Good Riddance to NYC’s Absent Teacher Reserve Pool. It Was a Bad Idea from the Start.

The Absent Teacher Reserve pool — an initiative that wasted both teacher talent and taxpayer funds — is coming to an end. Its demise is long overdue.

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...

Retiree FAQ Page

We've compiled some of our most frequently-asked questions for our members looking for information about retirement and UFT retiree benefits.

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...

How soon can I apply for the Supplemental Health Insurance Program (SHIP) upon retirement?

You must first be enrolled as a UFT-RTC (Retired Teachers Chapter) member. Your SHIP application cannot be processed until your retirement date, therefore, please send your application and payment approximately one month prior to your date of...

How much will be deducted from my pension for union dues once I retire?

Dues are .004 of retirement allowance for members who retired after July 1, 1984. Members who retired before July 1, 1984 and after July 1, 1970 pay $36 annually. Members who retired prior to July 1, 1970 pay $18 annually.

What information do I need to enter on my application for the Retired Teachers Chapter?

When filling out your application to join the Retired Teachers Chapter (RTC), please include your name, file number/UFT ID number, exact retirement date, current contact information and pension provider. To avoid a delay in processing, please...

After joining the Retired Teachers Chapter, do I need to send a payment for membership?

No, union dues for members of the Retired Teachers Chapter (RTC) will be automatically deducted from your monthly pension. The RTC dues are .004% of your monthly pension.

Once I retire, can I send my Retired Teachers Chapter and SHIP application at the same time?

Yes, you can send both enrollment applications for the RTC and SHIP together in the envelope included in the retirement packet you were given at your final pension consultation. However, to avoid a delay in processing, you also have the option of...

What is a deferred pay date?

A deferred pay date is only applicable if you have yet to meet the age of retirement and will be collecting your pension at a later time.

How long does it take for my Retired Teachers Chapter application to be processed?

Applications for the Retired Teachers Chapter (RTC) get processed on your date of retirement, however, due to a high volume of applicants, please allow for up to one week to complete the process.

Juneteenth Curriculum Resources

Juneteenth, recognized annually on June 19, commemorates the end of slavery in the United States and has been celebrated by African-Americans since the late 1800s. The following teaching resources can help teachers honor this history with their...

ATRs to fill regular positions in the fall of 2021

Members of the Absent Teacher Reserve (ATR) who have positive ratings will fill regular assignments in September in schools where they are needed.

Pride Teaching Resources

We have compiled the following LGBTQIA+ teaching resources for educators to help address issues of equality, inclusiveness, mutual understanding and acceptance. Booklists ranging from picture books to adult-level texts are included followed by...

Reduce Class Sizes

Albany passed a law to reduce class sizes in all New York City classrooms by September of 2028. It won't be easy to get to 100% compliance with the new class size limits, but if we work together we can get it done.

UFT on school reopening in September 2021

UFT President Michael Mulgrew issued a statement in response to Mayor Bill de Blasio's announcement that there would be no remote learning option for students in September 2021.

Asian American and Pacific Islander Teaching Resources

In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we have compiled high-quality classroom resources to help teachers explore and celebrate these diverse cultures with their students.

Am I able to withdraw 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/retirement provided the following conditions...

I am a paraprofessional who resigned but now wants to return to work at the DOE. Am I able to rescind my resignation?

UFT Educational Paraprofessionals and DC37 Family Paraprofessionals cannot rescind their resignations and must reapply for a new position as a paraprofessional. See more information at Application Process- Full Time UFT Educational Paraprofessional...

To reopen schools, do three things

The city has to show all parents that the public schools this fall are not just safe, but are also the best place their kids can be.