The Welfare Fund provides up to three months of coverage for members on FMLA Leave, up to four months for Maternity Leave, up to six months for Child Care Leave and up to 12 months for Restoration of Health Leave. COBRA coverage for up to 36 months may be purchased when the covered leave ends.

COBRA is the federal law that enables you to purchase continuation of coverage when you lose eligibility for health coverage. Most UFT members have health coverage from two separate sources: the New York City Health Plan for medical/hospital benefits (e.g. GHI or HIP) and the UFT Welfare Fund for supplemental health-related benefits including prescription drugs, dental, optical and hearing aid. (Welfare Fund COBRA coverage is not available for non-health-related benefits including death, disability, legal, and retiree programs.) To purchase medical/hospital coverage, you must file a City of New York Continuation of Coverage Application (available from your payroll secretary) with your medical plan. To purchase UFT Welfare Fund benefits, file a COBRA application with the Welfare Fund (available by calling the COBRA unit at 212-539-0560).

The qualifying event date is the start date of your COBRA coverage. Under the COBRA rules, there can be no gap between when active coverage ends and COBRA coverage starts. Therefore, whether for yourself or a dependent, the qualifying event date should be the day after the active coverage ends.

As of March 1, 2025, the UFT Welfare Fund will reimburse a maximum of $4,000, which can be used once every three years, counted from your last day of service. If you use a preferred provider, you can receive at least a 25 percent discount on your purchase. If you are a retiree who belongs to SHIP, the Welfare Fund will also process your claim for the SHIP scheduled payment. 

Yes, the Welfare Fund provides a hearing aid benefit which issues a reimbursement up to a maximum of $4,000 every three years (counted from the date of your last service) for members and their dependents. You can use the Welfare Fund’s panel or choose any provider.

The Helpline is a free, confidential support service dedicated to helping individuals and families dealing with medical and behavioral health illnesses.

Please call the Health and Cancer Helpline at 212-539-0515 and ask to speak with a Health and Cancer Helpline social worker.

All communication with the Helpline is confidential and private.

The Helpline is available to assist in-service members and retirees as well as their dependents.

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.