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 »

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 application process. 

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.

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 retirement. 

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. 

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 remember to sign and date the application. Applications with no signature will be returned.

You can enroll online or download an application form on the UFT website and mail it to us at:

UFT Membership Dept.
52 Broadway
New York, NY 10004

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.  

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 sending each application to their respective departments. 

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. 

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.