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Frequently Asked Questions

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A list of the most commonly asked questions.

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. 

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 exist:

  • At the time of your resignation or retirement, you completed at least one year (or two full school terms) of satisfactory, regularly appointed service under the license.
  • Your license has not been invalidated and is not subject to such action due to failure to satisfy certification requirements
  • You receive proper medical approval, fingerprint clearance/satisfactory application review; and verification of employment (since resigning/retiring from the New York City public schools)
  • You have received a written request to fill a vacancy approved by the HR Director which confirms the availability of a clear vacancy into which you can be placed, subject to any existing hiring restrictions.
  • You receive a valid NYCDOE security clearance.

Please note, withdrawal of retirement is also subject to approval by the applicable retirement system.

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 (8266), or Application Process- Family Paraprofessional (8264) (You must log in to HR Connect to view these materials.)

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 Department of Education Office of Field Services at OFIS [at] schools [dot] nyc [dot] gov (OFIS[at]schools[dot]nyc[dot]gov) to inform them or your desire to withdraw your resignation/retirement. The Office of Field Services will inform you if you are eligible to withdraw your resignation/retirement. If you are eligible, you may proceed with the remaining steps.
  • Submit an online application via teachnyc.net.
  • Secure a position at a school. If the DOE is in a state of restricted hiring or the online teacher application is closed, and you are therefore unable to secure a position at a school, you cannot rescind your resignation.
  • Obtain a Nomination Letter from the school that wants to hire you.
  • Complete a Withdrawal of Resignation Form
  • Photocopy the form for your records.
  • Submit the Withdrawal of Resignation form with a copy of your nomination letter to Field Services. You must have the Withdrawal form notarized before submitting. Please see "Submitting a Withdrawal of Resignation Retirement Form" for instructions.
  • On your first day of employment, complete and submit a “Commencement of Service upon Withdrawal of Resignation or Restoration from Retirement” form (available via DOE HR Connect) to the DOE Office of Field Services.

(You must log in to HR Connect to view DOE materials.)

Who is General Vision Services (GVS)?

For years, GVS has served as the third-party administrator for the Welfare Fund’s optical program, providing services such as claim processing. GVS will now also maintain new resources such as the program's website and mobile app. Their dedicated UFT representatives can assist with appointment scheduling, benefit questions, and inquiries about services rendered. On request, GVS can also serve as a liaison for you and/or your covered dependents when obtaining services at participating providers. For more information, visit the GVS website

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.
Can the Welfare Fund reply to my inquiry directly via text or social media message?

For the privacy and security of your personal information, program representatives will not send you texts or direct messages to social media accounts. They will communicate with you either by phone call, postal mail, or email to your address of record.

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.

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.