Know Your Benefits
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 once every two years. 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 $1,500 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.
UFT Legal Services Plan
When you need legal assistance, it can be costly and stressful. That’s why the union created a Legal Services Plan exclusively for UFT members that provides in-service members with access to attorneys who will assist them for free or at discounted rates.