The United Federation of Teachers offers a robust suite of benefits to support employees’ physical, mental and financial health. 

Staff members and their families enjoy comprehensive, premium-free health insurance. In addition, the UFT Welfare Fund offers a variety of supplemental health benefits, including optical, dental, hearing, and prescription coverage; short-term disability; and a death benefit.

Staffers may also take advantage of flexible financial planning options such as health care spending accounts, dependent care spending accounts, and transit/commuter benefits accounts.

After completing one year of employment, UFT employees become eligible to participate in the 401(k) and pension plans. To bolster employees’ retirement savings, we contribute 3% to the 401(k) and 1% to the pension fund. These plans are designed to provide a secure, guaranteed and lifelong monthly income.

To foster a healthy work-life balance, the UFT closes on many New York City school holidays, which total an average of 18 to 20 days off per year. In recent years, the office has also closed on summer Fridays.