15 benefits of the RTC

Want to keep informed?

You can do that by reading The New York Teacher carefully from cover to cover.

You’ll particularly want to read the Retired Teachers Chapter section, which has the latest news on your pension and benefits. SORRY! The newspaper is NOT mailed to non-members.

The UFT-RTC Retiree — the Retired Teachers Chapter newsletter — is chock full of information for retirees and it is mailed to members quarterly.

More information about the RTC.

Want to enroll in SHIP?

The Supplemental Health Insurance Program (SHIP) is a unique reimbursement program available only to UFT-RTC members. You must elect the optional rider or have comparable coverage from another source and enroll in SHIP within one year after retirement.

Payment is due when the application is submitted. If you have any questions, call 212-228-9060.

Want your voice to be heard in Congress?

The UFT-RTC works closely with the AFT and the AFL-CIO in promoting federal legislation in areas of social security, health care and pension.

Want to be represented at the NY state legislature?

The UFT-RTC, along with NYSUT, lobbies actively for benefits in Albany, such as increasing the automatic cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) that was enacted in 2000.

Want to be represented at City Hall?

The UFT-RTC’s vigilance at City Hall fights any legislation designed to decrease benefits while battling for improvements on your behalf, such as reimbursement for Medicare Part B.

Want to be part of senior citizen coalitions?

The UFT-RTC works with many other groups to lobby for and protect the interests of seniors. These groups include other NYSUT, AFT and NEA retiree groups, and the Alliance for Retired Americans, AFL-CIO.

Want to maintain all your UFT rights and privileges?

As a member of the UFT-RTC you can continue to participate in all UFT activities for retirees.

Have problems with your pension check?

The UFT-RTC has pension consultants ready to answer your questions. Just call 212-598-9536.

Have a question about your health benefits?

UFT Welfare Fund representatives are here to help you.

Call 212-539-0500 Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. or email the Welfare Fund at healthbenefithelp [at] uftwf [dot] org (healthbenefithelp[at]uftwf[dot]org).

Need social services?

If you or your family are facing difficult times, the union’s Retiree Social Services Program may be able to help no matter where you live. Our staff, led by a geriatric social worker can offer guidance, information and references to services in your community. And, if you are in the New York area, we offer short-term counseling.

All of our services are free and confidential to UFT-RTC members, so give us a call at 212-598-6880.

Want to continue your education?

The Si Beagle Learning Centers Program offers a wide array of courses, day trips and seminars in the five boroughs, Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester, Putnam, and Rockland counties, New Jersey and Florida. To continue your lifelong learning, register through the Si Beagle bulletin mailed to you in July and January.

• View the bulletin online.
• For additional information call 212-510-6310.

Want to participate in a local UFT-RTC section?

We offer services through chapter-sections in Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester, the Mid-Hudson Valley, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, New Jersey, Nevada, North Carolina, Washington DC and Puerto Rico.

Call the UFT Retiree Program for information: 212-510-6310.

Our Florida section offers extensive services and courses in the Florida office at:

Potomac Trail Building
3200 North Military Trail, Suite 100
Boca Raton, FL 33431.

Phone: 561-994-4929.

Want information about your legal plan?

You have a free prepaid legal plan which provides you and your spouse/domestic partner with three important documents: a simple will, a health care proxy and a power of attorney at no cost. You also are entitled to free legal advice and more. UFT approved elder law attorneys are available at a discounted rate of 20% from their normal fees.

Call the legal plan at 800-832-5182.

Need access to insurance or discount programs—such as life insurance or travel discounts?

UFT-RTC members are kept informed about all NYSUT and AFT endorsed programs, as well as about all publications that they provide for retirees. Your UFT-RTC membership makes you an automatic member of NYSUT, AFT and the AFL-CIO.

Have a question about union services or the Retired Teachers Chapter?

Dial the Retired Teachers Chapter at 212-780-0127 for assistance with any questions other than health or pension.