Retiree membership with the UFT automatically provides you with prepaid retiree membership in NYSUT and the American Federation of Teachers, one of the UFT’s national affiliates.
Payroll to pension deduction
The transition from payroll deduction for NYSUT Member Benefits-endorsed programs to pension deduction is not immediate or automatic. However, if you follow the steps below, your transition should be smooth.
Deductions cannot be taken from the advance payments that the Teachers’ Retirement System issues prior to sending regular retirement allowance payments. You must be receiving your regular retirement allowance payments from TRS or the New York City Board of Education Retirement System to be eligible for pension deduction of NYSUT Member Benefits-endorsed programs.
When you receive the bill for the next premium, it should include a Pension Deduction Authorization Card. Complete and sign the card, and send it and the bill to the plan administrator in lieu of payment. If you do not receive a Pension Deduction Authorization Card with your second bill, contact NYSUT Member Benefits.
Resigning?
If you are leaving the UFT bargaining unit (no longer working for the Department of Education) at the end of the school year for reasons other than retirement and are participating in NYSUT Member Benefits-endorsed programs, you must join NYSUT as an “Associate Member-Continuing NYSUT Member Benefits Coverage” to continue participating in those programs. Payroll deduction is not available to associate members.
Please contact NYSUT Member Benefits at 800-626-8101 if you have questions about your eligibility.
For questions about continuing membership with the UFT as a retiree, contact the UFT Membership Department at 212-598-6855.