Both the GVS website and the GVS app (on iOS or Android) allow you to verify eligibility for optical benefits, locate in-network providers, and submit claims.

For years, GVS has served as the third-party administrator for the Welfare Fund’s optical program, providing services such as claim processing. GVS will now also maintain new resources such as the program's website and mobile app. Their dedicated UFT representatives can assist with appointment scheduling, benefit questions, and inquiries about services rendered. On request, GVS can also serve as a liaison for you and/or your covered dependents when obtaining services at participating providers. For more information, visit the GVS website. 

Teachers, school psychologists, guidance counselors, school social workers, librarians, attendance teachers, school secretarial staff and laboratory specialists may be permitted to withdraw a resignation.

Take the following steps:

• Contact the NYC Department of Education Office of Field Services at OFIS [at] schools [dot] nyc [dot] gov (OFIS[at]schools[dot]nyc[dot]gov) to inform them or your desire to withdraw your resignation/retirement. The Office of Field Services will inform you if you are eligible to withdraw your resignation/retirement. If you are eligible, you may proceed with the remaining steps.
• Submit an online application via teachnyc.net.
• Secure a position at a school. If the DOE is in a state of restricted hiring or the online teacher application is closed, and you are therefore unable to secure a position at a school, you cannot rescind your resignation.
• Obtain a Nomination Letter from the school that wants to hire you.
• Complete a Withdrawal of Resignation Form
• Photocopy the form for your records.
• Submit the Withdrawal of Resignation form with a copy of your nomination letter to Field Services. You must have the Withdrawal form notarized before submitting. Please see "Submitting a Withdrawal of Resignation Retirement Form" for instructions.
• On your first day of employment, complete and submit a “Commencement of Service upon Withdrawal of Resignation or Restoration from Retirement” form (available via DOE HR Connect) to the DOE Office of Field Services.

(You must log in to HR Connect to view DOE materials.)

UFT Educational Paraprofessionals and DC37 Family Paraprofessionals cannot rescind their resignations and must reapply for a new position as a paraprofessional. See more information at Application Process- Full Time UFT Educational Paraprofessional (8266), or Application Process- Family Paraprofessional (8264) (You must log in to HR Connect to view these materials.)

Teachers, school psychologists, guidance counselors, school social workers, librarians, attendance teachers, school secretarial staff and laboratory specialists may be permitted to withdraw a resignation/retirement provided the following conditions exist:

• At the time of your resignation or retirement, you completed at least one year (or two full school terms) of satisfactory, regularly appointed service under the license.
• Your license has not been invalidated and is not subject to such action due to failure to satisfy certification requirements
• You receive proper medical approval, fingerprint clearance/satisfactory application review; and verification of employment (since resigning/retiring from the New York City public schools)
• You have received a written request to fill a vacancy approved by the HR Director which confirms the availability of a clear vacancy into which you can be placed, subject to any existing hiring restrictions.
• You receive a valid NYCDOE security clearance.

Please note, withdrawal of retirement is also subject to approval by the applicable retirement system.

Applications for the Retired Teachers Chapter (RTC) get processed on your date of retirement, however, due to a high volume of applicants, please allow for up to one week to complete the process. 

A deferred pay date is only applicable if you have yet to meet the age of retirement and will be collecting your pension at a later time. 

Yes, you can send both enrollment applications for the RTC and SHIP together in the envelope included in the retirement packet you were given at your final pension consultation. However, to avoid a delay in processing, you also have the option of sending each application to their respective departments. 

No, union dues for members of the Retired Teachers Chapter (RTC) will be automatically deducted from your monthly pension. The RTC dues are .004% of your monthly pension.  

When filling out your application to join the Retired Teachers Chapter (RTC), please include your name, file number/UFT ID number, exact retirement date, current contact information and pension provider. To avoid a delay in processing, please remember to sign and date the application. Applications with no signature will be returned.

You can enroll online or download an application form on the UFT website and mail it to us at:

UFT Membership Dept.
52 Broadway
New York, NY 10004