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Frequently Asked Questions

You can search the FAQs on our website by keyword or category above. 

A list of the most commonly asked questions.

Am I allowed to read my school’s safety plan?

Yes. In addition, the administration must offer professional development at least once a year on its contents.

What is Jarema credit? How may I apply for it?

You may receive credit to reduce your probationary time if you worked as a regular substitute or as an appointed teacher in the same license area and same division (i.e., elementary, junior high, high school) in which you are subsequently approved. You can receive up to two years of Jarema Credit. Per diem days do not count toward Jarema Credit. See the DOE's form to apply for a reduction in probationary service .

 

What is traveling tenure?

Traveling tenure may reduce your probationary period. If you received tenure from the DOE in one license area and elect to take an appointment in a new license area, your probationary period will be reduced by one year. If you are eligible, contact your UFT borough office for more information. See the DOE form to apply for a reduction in probation

What forms do I need to file for Workers' Compensation?

You need to complete a Comprehensive Injury Report and return it to your principal within 24 hours. Make sure to tell the person attending to you that your injury or illness is work-related. Your doctor must complete an OP 198 Absence form, which you should file with your payroll secretary as soon as possible along with any doctor's notes, and file a C-4 Physician’s Report with the Workers’ Compensation Board. You’ll also need to complete a C-3 Employee Claim form, with the assistance of your doctor if necessary, and file it with the Workers’ Compensation Board as soon as possible but within two years of the injury. If necessary, you may also need to file a leave of absence form via SOLAS. It is the responsibility of the employer to submit the C2 form by documenting it in the Payroll Portal for you to receive an indexed carrier case number from the City of New York Law Department the insurance carrier for Workers’ Compensation recipients.

Find copies of these forms on our Workers' Compensation web page »

Whom at the UFT do I call if I have a specific question about Workers’ Comp?

Call the Workers’ Compensation Unit in the UFT Safety and Health Department at 212-510-6460.

What is Workers’ Compensation and who is eligible for Workers’ Comp benefits?

Workers’ Compensation is a form of insurance, paid for in advance by your employer, which entitles you to full medical coverage and part of your salary for job-related injuries and illnesses. You are entitled to Workers’ Compensation no matter whose fault your injury or illness may be with the exception of any acts willfully committed by claimant — so long as it occurred on school property or in the normal course of performance of your work duties. "Employer’s property" means the entire building, playground/s, authorized parking lots, sidewalk around the perimeter of the structure, and traveling between assignments including busing.

The following titles are eligible for Workers’ Comp: paraprofessionals, school nurses, occupational & physical therapists; substitutes; and any personnel who are not appointed to the Teachers’ Retirement System. Pedagogues injured or made sick on the job are covered by the Injury-in-the-Line-of-Duty provision of the UFT-DOE contract.

Why does the UFT Welfare Fund death benefit decrease with a member’s age?

The death benefit was designed to provide a benefit to the beneficiaries of in-service UFT members. Younger members have not had the time to accumulate money in their retirement accounts and therefore, the highest amount paid is to the beneficiary of our youngest members.

How does a beneficiary file a death claim with the Welfare Fund?

A family member or beneficiary must submit a Welfare Fund Death Benefit Notification Form (available by calling the Fund’s Death Benefit Unit) along with a certified or original death certificate and the member’s original or certified birth certificate to the Welfare Fund. After verification of the information, the Fund will contact the beneficiary(ies) and process the claim payment.

Where can I go for my dental procedures?

You have options on how to receive your dental care. If you are enrolled in the Scheduled Benefit dental plan, the best choice would be a UFT Welfare Fund participating dentist. However, you can choose any non-participating dentist. See more information about your dental coverage options through the Welfare Fund. 

How much will my dental care cost?

A Dental Schedule on the UFT Welfare Fund website displays the charges and reimbursements for most procedures. If you use a participating dentist, the procedures in black are free while those in red require a co-payment. If you choose a non-participating dentist, the amount you will be reimbursed is listed.