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Know Your Benefits

Member Assistance Program

Established in 2009, the UFT’s Member Assistance Program (MAP) provides tools for coping with the full range of life’s challenges, such as work-related stress, post-traumatic stress disorder, bereavement and substance use disorders. 


Workers’ compensation

Workers’ compensation is insurance paid for by the employer. It covers medical costs associated with an on-the-job injury or illness, and it pays a portion of lost salary if you miss work. Full- or part-time paraprofessionals, occupational and physical therapists, school nurses and administrative employees are all eligible for it if they are injured on the job.

Eyeglasses and contact lenses

As a member of the UFT Welfare Fund, you and your eligible dependents can obtain optical services annually. Learn all you need to know about your optical benefit.

Extended child care leave

Many UFT-represented members have a unique and valuable benefit: the ability to take an extended child care leave and return to their job afterward. This benefit is for those who want to take more time off than paid parental leave or an FMLA benefit will allow.


Hearing aids and exams

The UFT Welfare Fund provides a hearing aid benefit that reimburses UFT-represented employees and their dependents up to a maximum of $4,000 once every three years.

Dental care

The UFT Welfare Fund provides dental benefits through two programs: the Scheduled Benefit Plan, which provides services through either a designated panel of dentists or a dentist of your choice; and Dentcare, a no-cost dental HMO.