Unit 1
Leaves Under the Collective Agreement
You, your coworkers, and your former coworkers have fought for decades for better access to paid leaves. Please do take advantage of the privileges you have won for you, your coworkers, and future generations of workers at U of T.
Available leaves are described below. You can find more info in the CUPE 3902 Unit 1 Collective Agreement. In general, to take a leave, first contact your departmental administrator to start the process.
Note: Academic year is September 1 to August 31, as per article 29:05 of the Unit 1 Collective Agreement, under Definitions.
More questions?
Check out the Unit 1 Collective Agreement and/or send a message the Vice President (Unit 1 and Unit 7) at vp1@cupe3902.org.
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You can take 17 weeks of paid leave. This leave can take two forms:
Four months receiving regular monthly installments without interruption, with subsequent unpaid leave also available.
If you qualify for Employment Insurance benefits, the University will pay you ninety-five percent (95%) of regular pay during the first week (while waiting period for Employment Insurance benefits), then for the next 16 weeks, they will pay the difference between Employment Insurance benefits and ninety-five percent (95%) of salary, provided that the employee applies for and receives Employment Insurance benefits.
The end date of a pregnancy leave may not extend beyond the ending date of the employee’s appointment.
Contact the Family Care Office to begin the process. You may need to present a doctor’s certificate to confirm pregnancy and due date (at the department’s expense) and will need to submit written notice of your intent to take the leave at least 2 weeks in advance.
Note: Extended Pregnancy and Parental/Adoption Leave Benefit
All bargaining unit employees are granted extended pregnancy/parental/adoption leaves.
If an employee who has taken pregnancy or parental/adoption leave reaches the end of their contract before their 4 month leave has expired, the employee will be entitled to a one-time only lump sum payment in the amount of their monthly pay for the remainder of that 4-month period, minus any required deductions.
For example, if an employee’s contract ends after 3 months of leave, they will receive a lump sum payment equivalent to 1 month’s pay.
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If you have been employed for a minimum of 13 weeks, you can take a leave of absence following the birth or adoption of your child, of up to 61 weeks for employees who also took pregnancy leave (and must directly follow pregnancy leave) and up to 63 weeks for all other new parents (which must start within 78 weeks of birth/adoption). However, only the first 4 months of that is paid leave.
If you start a leave during an appointment, and you have a subsequent appointment in the following session, you can continue your leave (and therefore continue to get paid) during that subsequent appointment.
Contact the Family Care Office to begin the process. You will need to submit written notice of your intent to take the leave at least 2 weeks in advance.
Note: Extended Pregnancy and Parental/Adoption Leave Benefit
All bargaining unit employees are granted extended pregnancy/parental/adoption leaves.
If an employee who has taken pregnancy or parental/adoption leave reaches the end of their contract before their 4 month leave has expired, the employee will be entitled to a one-time only lump sum payment in the amount of their monthly pay for the remainder of that 4-month period, minus any required deductions.
For example, if an employee’s contract ends after 3 months of leave, they will receive a lump sum payment equivalent to 1 month’s pay.
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Upon request, you can take one week of paid leave, which must be taken within the first 6 weeks of the birth or adoption of a child.
Contact your departmental admin to begin the process.
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Short-Term Sick Leave
Course Instructors are entitled to up to 6 days of paid sick leave per academic year, or up to 8 if you teach more than one course.For non-course instructor members of Unit 1, the following paid sick leaves are available: 3 days if you worked 200 hours or more in a year, 2 days if you worked 100 hours or more in an academic year, or 1 day if you worked 30 hours or more in an academic year.
Contact your supervisor and departmental admin as soon as possible.
Surgery, Hospitalization and Serious Illness
If you require surgery, hospitalization, and/or a course of treatment, you can take up to 4 months of paid leave.Contact your supervisor and departmental admin as soon as possible. Contact Health and Well-Being Programs & Services to begin the process.
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Jury and Witness Duty
Upon written request and supported by a copy of the summons for jury duty or crown witness service, you can take a paid leave while you are serving. You will need to provide confirmation of the date(s) and time(s) in which you appeared and/or served, signed by an appropriate office of the court.Contact your supervisor and departmental admin as soon as possible.
Academic Conference Leave
If you have been invited to deliver a paper, present research findings, chair a session, or serve on a discussion panel at an academic conference, you can take an unpaid leave, including time to travel to and from the conference.Contact your supervisor and departmental admin as soon as possible.
Union Conventions
Upon written request and approval from your supervisor, you can take an unpaid leave, up to 10 working days per academic year.Contact the General Vice President (gvp@cupe3902.org) about how to take this leave.
Bereavement Leave
You can take a 5 consecutive day paid leave in the event of death of somebody close to you.Contact your supervisor and departmental admin as soon as possible.
Compassionate Leave
You can take a 5-day paid leave to attend to a seriously ill person close to you. The 5 days do not need to be consecutive.Contact your supervisor and departmental admin as soon as possible.
Sexual/Domestic Violence Survivor Leave
Members are entitled to up to 1 month of paid leave in cases where they are survivors of sexual/domestic violence.Contact the Family Care Office to begin the process.
Health Benefits
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Members of Unit 1 are entitled to access health benefits under the terms of the Collective Agreement. Two plans exist: Plan A (The “Top-Up” Plan) and Plan B (The “HCSA Only” Plan).
Plan A consists of comprehensive insurance coverage, in addition to a $300 Healthcare Spending Account (HCSA). The HCSA amount increases to $600 for members with dependents. In order to be eligible for Plan A members must have a contract worth, or have worked, a minimum of 15 hours (this threshold must be achieved by July 31 of each academic year) AND must have enrolled in a “base” plan (such as the GSU, APUS, SCSU, UTSU, or PDF plans).
NOTE: In order to be eligible for Plan A, members must remain in both the extended health and dental portions of their base plan. There are no exceptions. If you need to purchase an extension of your insurance after graduation, please visit Student Care for information and deadlines.
Members who do not meet the eligibility requirements as outlined above, will have access to Plan B (HCSA only), consisting of a $500 Healthcare Spending Account. The HCSA amount increases to $800 for members with dependents.
For more information about these two plans, please have a look at our Plan FAQ.
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Blackout Period
A blackout period is the duration of time when access to Plan A and Plan B is temporarily unavailable. This is the period when the University confirms the eligibility of members and sends the list to Green Shield.
If you require access to medical and dental services or need a prescription during the blackout period, you can make the payment and submit the claim with receipts to Green Shield after the blackout period.
Fall term: September 1 to October 31
Winter term: January 1 to March 15
NOTE: If you had access to Plan A or B during the previous benefit year (September to August), your plan will show as “Terminated” on the Green Shield portal during the blackout period in September.
Claim submission Deadline
All claims must be received by Green Shield no later than 60 days after the end of the benefit year, by October 30.
NOTE: August 30 is the last day you can submit claims through the Green Shield portal. After August 30, you must submit manual (paper) claim forms. Please contact Green Shield customer service at 1-888-711-1119 for assistance.
Health Benefits - Adding Dependents
NOTE: To opt-in your dependents to your primary plan (in order for them to have access to the Top-up Plan), you must opt them in annually, at the beginning of the term you are first registered in. For graduate students, visit Student Care to opt-in online during the periods below. Members with primary coverage from APUS, SCSU, and UTSU should refer to their respective website for similar deadlines.
Fall term: September 1 – 30
Winter term: January 1 – 31
Looking to purchase a 12-month extension of your insurance after graduation? Please visit Student Care.
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Unit 1 Health Benefits – University of Toronto’s webpage
Top-Up Plan FAQ – have a question about your top-up plan? Check here first for an answer!
HCSA Allowable Expenses – this form, created by Green Shield Canada, lists items/services that may (or may not) be charged to a HCSA, and under what circumstances certain expenses will be covered. Members who are not in a funded cohort are able to claim their UTGSU health and dental premiums through their HSCA account. Check out this guide for details on how to do so! Note: if you are in a funded cohort, your UTGSU plan is covered by your funding and you cannot claim the premiums through your HCSA.
Table of Maximums – GSU/Top-Up – GSU/Top-Up Plan 2025/2026 Plan Year.
Unit 1 Equity Funds
ROLLING: SEPTEMBER to AUGUST
The 2025-2026 fund year runs from September 1, 2025 to August 31, 2026. Eligible applications and receipts can now be submitted for any expenses incurred during that time.
NEW! Our fund rules have changed.
Please read each carefully.
Sexual and Domestic Violence Survivors Fund >
Anti-Racism Racialized Workers Fund >
International Workers Legal Fund >
The Local’s Equity Funds Subcommittee anonymously reviews applications for the Survivors Fund, Trans Fund, International Workers Legal Fund, and Anti-Racism Racialized Workers Fund.
Your Secretary Treasurer, Vice-President, President (or President’s designate), and ideally, community members representing each fund (two members per fund in Unit 1, and one member per fund in Unit 7), sit on this committee. It is chaired by the Equity Officer.
Sexual and Domestic Violence Survivors Fund (SF)
NEW! Our fund rules have changed. Please read carefully.
Eligibility period: Receipts must show expenses were incurred between September 1 and August 31 of the fund year. The applicant must have done at least 1 hour of Unit 1 work between those dates.
Deadline: August 31
Purpose: To support survivors by reimbursing expenses already incurred as a result of sexual or domestic violence. Please apply if you need support related to your experience as a member of this group.
NOTE: This fund is reimbursement-based, and not eligible for pre-approval of anticipated expenses.
The Sexual and Domestic Violence Survivors Fund (Survivors Fund) is intended to serve as an individualized form of reimbursement support for members who are survivors of sexual and/or domestic violence. If you identify as a member of the group this fund intends to serve and are interested in participating in the Local’s Equity Funds subcommittee, write to your Equity Officer at eo@cupe3902.org.
If you have constructive feedback regarding the fund, please contact your First Vice-President at vp1@cupe3902.org and/or the Equity Officer at eo@cupe3902.org. Please note that in accordance with the Local’s Equity Statement, abusive language in communications will not be tolerated.
This is a member-driven fund that came out of members’ needs and was specifically modeled on the CUPE 3903 Sexual Assault Survivor Fund.
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Each year of the Survivors Fund (September 1 to August 31), anyone who meets the following criteria is eligible to apply:
You have secured at least 1 hour of Unit 1 work by the time the application is made
You are a survivor of sexual and/or domestic violence
Application deadlines: Applications are due during the fund year in which expenses are incurred.
Please write to your Equity Officer at eo@cupe3902.org if you have any questions.
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After meeting the criteria of being within the fund year September 1 to August 31 and having worked one hour in Unit 1, other criteria will be weighed.
Understanding that violence can impact many areas of life, the fund deliberately does not define all eligible expenses. Members are invited to submit claims for any paid, documented expenses they consider eligible.
Examples of eligible expenses include:
Legal fees
Related counselling fees in excess of what is covered by GreenShield (proof coverage has been exceeded or is not covered by GreenShield is required)
Administrative fees associated with change of name ($137), re-issuing of passport ($120 for the 5-year, $160 for the 10-year), etc.
Related medical procedures not covered by GreenShield (e.g. STI tests, emergency dental procedures, laser treatment to remove visible signs of violence, etc.), and related transportation costs
Safety costs, including lock changes, hair cuts, new phone numbers, secure transportation, etc.
Emergency relocation to secure safe housing, including moving fees, first and last month’s rent, hotel stays, etc.
Expenses incurred in the fund year (September 1 to August 31) will be eligible for reimbursement.
Receipts must be submitted for all claimed expenses clearly showing the dates and amounts incurred within the period specified by the applicant.
If medical claims are being submitted, please provide screenshots showing that you have first submitted your claim through GreenShield, and that your claim has been exhausted and/or denied on your base and top-up plans. Be sure to include the date in your screenshot. You should also provide proof if GreenShield does not cover your particular expense category.
You will need to provide proof of exhaustion of GreenShield with each new fund application even if you have submitted this document in a previous application. Lack of proper documentation may result in your application being denied as the Equity Funds Subcommittee will not be able to fully assess your application.
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Each applicant has a yearly cap of $8,000 for the Survivors Fund.
The fund year spans from September 1 to August 31.
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Equity Fund review meetings are scheduled to take place monthly. For your application to be considered at these meetings, it must be received at a reasonable time before the Equity Funds Subcommittee meeting.
We aim to communicate application results to eligible applicants within two weeks of approval. Funds are normally disbursed within two months of the application results.
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Eligible applications will be reviewed by the Equity Funds Subcommittee.
The Equity Funds Subcommittee is chaired by the Equity Officer. Voting members are the Secretary-Treasurer, the President (or designate), the Vice-Presidents of any Unit with Equity Funds, and up to two members per Equity Fund to represent the relevant constituencies, to be appointed by the Executive Committee after a call for applications.
The Equity Officer chairs meetings of the Equity Funds Committee, presenting an anonymized version of each application to the committee for review. Only the Equity Officer and Secretary Treasurer have access to Equity Fund applications in full.
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If you have worked at least 1 hour since September 1 of the fund year, and once the database has been updated with payroll information, the application form will be available online and accessible through the Union’s website.
To find the application, login to the Member Portal (found by scrolling up to the top right of this page), and select the ‘Forms’ tab.
A complete application for the fund must include:
Political membership — you must have signed a membership card or filled out a Membership Application Form.
If you do not have a CUPE No. (found on the left-hand side of the Portal home page), then you have yet to gain political membership.
To do so, select the ‘Forms’ tab and fill out the Membership Application Form.
Note: processing membership applications can take up to four days.
The Survivors Fund Application Form
Supporting documentation — this documentation must include a statement outlining the need for which funding is being requested and its connection to the fund category, and any other supporting documentation you may have (receipts, proof that you have submitted your claim to GreenShield, letters of support, etc.).
Claims submitted without proper documentation will be denied.
You will receive an automatic confirmation email for each application you submit.
If you do not receive a confirmation email, you did not successfully submit the application.
If you experience any issues during the application process, please see the Fund Application FAQ for answers to commonly asked questions.Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. The fund year is September 1 to August 31. The fund cap resets every year.
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CUPE 3902, Unit 1 members’ protections under the Collective Agreement (CA) for Survivors:
one month’s paid leave for survivors (p. 58)
four month’s paid “Surgery, Hospitalization, and Serious Illness” leave which can be used for mental-health purposes (p. 57)
Sexual violence and harassment protections (pp. 9-11)
Letter of Understanding on Sexual Violence (p. 85)
CUPE 3902, Unit 1 members’ access to relevant healthcare:
Mental health care (counselling/MSW/social worker, incl. psychotherapy): $5000/year under top-up plan + $500 under base plan (total: $5500)
Basic dental: $1350/year
Glasses/contact lenses/laser eye surgery: $300/year
Single HCSA: $500/year – Family HCSA: $800/year Drug max: $15000/year
Health plan combined maximum: $15000/year
Trans Fund
NEW! Our fund rules have changed. Please read carefully.
Eligibility period: Receipts must show expenses were incurred between September 1 and August 31 of the fund year. The applicant must have done at least 1 hour of Unit 1 work between those dates.
Deadline: August 31
Purpose: To support transgender and/or nonbinary members by reimbursing them for expenses already incurred and related to their experience as a member of this group. Please apply if you need support. NOTE: This fund is reimbursement-based, and not eligible for pre-approval of anticipated expenses.
The Trans Fund is intended to serve as an individualized form of reimbursement support for members who self-identify as transgender and/or nonbinary. If you identify as a member of the group this fund intends to serve and are interested in participating in the Local’s Equity Funds subcommittee, write to your Equity Officer at eo@cupe3902.org.
If you have constructive feedback regarding the fund, please contact your First Vice-President at vp1@cupe3902.org and/or the Equity Officer at eo@cupe3902.org. Please note that in accordance with the Local’s Equity Statement, abusive language in communications will not be tolerated.
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Each year of the Trans Fund (September 1 to August 31), anyone who meets the following criteria is eligible to apply:
You have secured at least 1 hour of Unit 1 work by the time the application is made
You self-identify as transgender and/or nonbinary
Application deadlines: Applications are due during the fund year in which expenses are incurred.
Please write to the Equity Officer at eo@cupe3902.org with any questions.
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After meeting the criteria of being within the fund year September 1 to August 31 and having worked one hour in Unit 1, other criteria will be weighed.
Understanding that your experience as transgender and/or nonbinary can impact many areas of life, the fund deliberately does not define all eligible expenses. Members are invited to submit claims for any paid, documented expenses they consider eligible.
Examples of eligible expenses include:
Everyday life necessities, including but not limited to binders, shapewear, and packers
Medical necessities not covered by GreenShield, such as HRT prescriptions not listed in GreenShield’s index of covered pharmaceuticals
Gender-affirming procedures and surgeries (not covered by GSU Base Plan), and associated travel, lodging, and transportation costs
Related counselling and fees in excess of what is covered by GreenShield, excluding Plan A HCSA
Administrative fees associated with change of name ($137), re-issuing of passport ($120 for the 5-year, $160 for the 10-year), etc.
Emergency relocation to secure safe housing, including moving fees, first and last month’s rent, hotel stays, etc.
Expenses incurred in the fund year (September 1 to August 31) will be eligible for reimbursement
Receipts must be submitted for all claimed expenses clearly showing the dates and amounts incurred within the period specified by the applicant. If medical claims are being submitted, please provide screenshots showing that you have first submitted your claim through GreenShield, and that your claim has been exhausted and/or denied on your base and top-up plans.
Be sure to include the date in your screenshot. You should also provide proof if GreenShield does not cover your particular expense category.
You will need to provide proof of exhaustion of GreenShield with each new fund application even if you have submitted this document in a previous application. Lack of proper documentation may result in your application being denied as the Equity Funds Subcommittee will not be able to fully assess your application.
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Each applicant has yearly cap of $8,000 for the Trans fund.
The fund year spans from September 1 to August 31.
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Equity Fund review meetings are scheduled to take place monthly. For your application to be considered at these meetings, it must be received at a reasonable time before the Equity Funds Subcommittee meeting.
We aim to communicate application results to eligible applicants within two weeks of approval. Funds are normally disbursed within two months of the application results. -
Eligible applications will be reviewed by the Equity Funds Subcommittee.
The Equity Funds Subcommittee is chaired by the Equity Officer. Voting members are the Secretary-Treasurer, the President (or designate), the Vice-Presidents of any Unit with Equity Funds, and up to two members per Equity Fund to represent the relevant constituencies, to be appointed by the Executive Committee after a call for applications.
The Equity Officer chairs meetings of the Equity Funds Committee, presenting the anonymized version of each application to the committee for review. Only the Equity Officer and Secretary Treasurer have access to Equity Fund applications in full.
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If you have worked at least 1 hour since September 1 of the fund year and once the database has been updated with payroll information, the application form will be available online and accessible through the Union’s website. To find the application, login to the Member Portal (found by scrolling up to the top right of this page), and select the ‘Forms’ tab.
A complete application for the fund must include:
Political membership — you must have signed a membership card or filled out a Membership Application Form.
If you do not have a CUPE No. (found on the left-hand side of the Portal home page), then you have yet to gain political membership.
To do so, select the ‘Forms’ tab and fill out the Membership Application Form.
Note: processing membership applications can take up to four days. The Trans Fund Application Form.
Supporting documentation — this documentation must include a statement outlining the need for which funding is being requested, and any other supporting documentation you may have (receipts, proof of GreenShield claim denial, letters of support, etc.). Claims submitted without proper documentation will be denied.
You will receive an automatic confirmation email for each application you submit.
Note that if you do not receive a confirmation email, you did not successfully submit the application. If you experience any issues during the application process, please see the Fund Application FAQ for answers to commonly asked questions.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. The fund year is September 1 to August 31. The fund cap resets every year.
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CUPE 3902, Unit 1 members’ protections under the Collective Agreement (CA) for Trans members:
four month’s paid “Surgery, Hospitalization, and Serious Illness” leave which can be used for gender-affirming surgeries and procedures and/or mental-health purposes (p. 57)
“physical attributes” and “sexual orientation, identity, and expression” added to grounds protected from discrimination (p. 7)
right to determine your own gender identity and pronoun (p. 8)
bullying and harassment protection (p. 13)
CUPE 3902, Unit 1 members’ access to relevant healthcare:
Mental health care (counselling/MSW/social worker, incl. psychotherapy): $5000/year under top-up plan + $500 under base plan (total: $5500)
Basic dental: $1350/year
Glasses/contact lenses/laser eye surgery: $300/year
Single HCSA: $500/year – Family HCSA: $800/year
Drug max: $15000/year
Health plan combined maximum: $15000/year
Gender affirming coverage through GSU Base Plan. More info here.
Anti-Racism Racialized Workers Fund (ARRWF)
NEW! Our fund rules have changed. Please read carefully.
Eligibility period: Receipts must show expenses were incurred between September 1 and August 31 of the fund year. The applicant must have done at least 1 hour of Unit 1 work between those dates.
Deadline: August 31
Purpose: To support members impacted by racism (including but not limited to anti-Black and/or anti-Indigenous racism) by reimbursing them for expenses already incurred and related to their experience as a member of this group. Please apply if you need support.
NOTE: This fund is reimbursement-based, and not eligible for pre-approval of anticipated expenses.
The Anti-Racism Racialized Workers Fund is intended to serve as an individualized form of reimbursement support for members who are impacted by racism (including, but not limited to, anti-Black and/or anti-Indigenous racism). If you identify as a member of the group this fund intends to serve and are interested in participating in the Local’s Equity Funds subcommittee, write to your Equity Officer at eo@cupe3902.org.
If you have constructive feedback regarding the fund, please contact your First Vice-President at vp1@cupe3902.org and/or the Equity Office at eo@cupe3902.org. Please note that in accordance with the Local’s Equity Statement, abusive language in communications will not be tolerated.
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Each year of the ARRWF (September 1 to August 31), anyone who meets the following criteria is eligible to apply:
You have secured at least 1 hour of Unit 1 work by the time the application is made
You have been impacted by racism (including but not limited to anti-Black and/or anti-Indigenous racism)
Please write to the Equity Officer at eo@cupe3902.org with any questions.
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After meeting the criteria of being within the fund year September 1 to August 31 and having worked one hour in Unit 1, other criteria will be weighed.
Understanding that racism can impact many areas of life, the fund deliberately does not define all eligible expenses. Members are invited to submit claims for any paid, documented expenses they consider eligible.
Examples of eligible paid, documented expenses include:
Related legal fees (including related transportation costs, childcare)
Related medical fees in excess of what is covered by GreenShield (including counselling, health services not covered by insurance, procedures to remove visible signs of violence, and related transportation and childcare costs)
Safety costs, including secure transportation, self-defense classes, etc.
Emergency relocation to secure safe housing, including moving fees, first and last month’s rent, hotel stays, etc.
Expenses incurred in the fund year (September 1 to August 31) will be eligible for reimbursement
Receipts must be submitted for all claimed expenses clearly showing the dates and amounts incurred within the period specified by the applicant.
If medical claims are being submitted, please provide screenshots showing that you have first submitted your claim through GreenShield, and that your claim has been exhausted and/or denied on your base and top-up plans. Be sure to include the date in your screenshot. You should also provide proof if GreenShield does not cover your particular expense category.
You will need to provide proof of exhaustion of GreenShield with each new fund application even if you have submitted this document in a previous application. Lack of proper documentation may result in your application being denied as the Equity Funds Subcommittee will not be able to fully assess your application.
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Each applicant has yearly cap of $8,000 for the Anti-Racism Racialized Workers Fund.
The fund year spans from September 1 to August 31. -
Equity Fund review meetings are scheduled to take place monthly. For your application to be considered at these meetings, it must be received at a reasonable time before the Equity Funds Subcommittee meeting.
We aim to communicate application results to eligible applicants within two weeks of approval. Funds are normally disbursed within two months of the application results. -
Eligible applications will be reviewed by the Equity Funds Subcommittee.
The Equity Funds Subcommittee is chaired by the Equity Officer. Voting members are the Secretary-Treasurer, the President (or designate), the Vice-Presidents of any Unit with Equity Funds, and up to two members per Equity Fund to represent the relevant constituencies, to be appointed by the Executive Committee after a call for applications.
The Equity Officer chairs meetings of the Equity Funds Committee, presenting the anonymized version of each application to the committee for review. Only the Equity Officer and Secretary Treasurer have access to Equity Fund applications in full.
-
If you have worked at least 1 hour since September 1 of the fund year and once the database has been updated with payroll information, the application form will be available online and accessible through the Union’s website. To find the application, login to the Member Portal (found by scrolling up to the top right of this page), and select the ‘Forms’ tab.
A complete application for the fund must include:
Political membership — you must have signed a membership card or filled out a Membership Application Form.
If you do not have a CUPE No. (found on the left-hand side of the Portal home page), then you have yet to gain political membership.
To do so, select the ‘Forms’ tab and fill out the Membership Application Form.
Note: processing membership applications can take up to four days.
The Anti-Racism Racialized Workers Fund Application Form
Supporting documentation — this documentation must include a statement outlining the need for which funding is being requested, and any other supporting documentation you may have (receipts, proof of GreenShield claim denial, letters of support, etc.). Claims submitted without proper documentation will be denied.
You will receive an automatic confirmation email for each application you submit.
NOTE: if you do not receive a confirmation email you did not successfully submit the application. If you experience any issues during the application process, please see the Fund Application FAQ.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. The fund year is September 1 to August 31. The fund cap resets every year.
Application deadlines: Applications are due during the fund year in which expenses are incurred.
Please write to your Equity Officer at eo@cupe3902.org if you have any questions.
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CUPE 3902, Unit 1 members’ access to relevant healthcare:
Mental health care (counselling/MSW/social worker, including psychotherapy): $5,000/year under top-up plan + $500 under base plan (total: $5,500)
Basic dental: $1,350/year
Glasses/contact lenses/laser eye surgery: $300/year
Single HCSA: $500/year – Family HCSA: $800/year
Drug max: $15,000/year
Health plan combined maximum: $15,000/year
International Workers Legal Fund (IWLF)
NEW! Our fund rules have changed. Please read carefully.
Eligibility period: Receipts must show expenses were incurred between September 1 and August 31 of the fund year. The applicant must have done at least 1 hour of Unit 1 work between those dates.
Deadline: August 31
Purpose: To support international members facing legal difficulties related to their visa and/or immigration status by reimbursing them for paid, documented expenses already incurred and related to their experience as a member of this group. Please apply if you need support. NOTE: This fund is reimbursement-based, and not eligible for pre-approval of anticipated expenses.
The International Workers Legal Fund (IWLF) covers eligible expenses for members who are experiencing troubles related to their visa and/or immigration status that interfere with their ability to perform their Unit 1 work. If you identify as a member of the group this fund intends to serve and are interested in participating in the Local’s Equity Funds Subcommittee, write to your Equity Officer at eo@cupe3902.org.
If you have constructive feedback regarding the fund, please contact your First Vice-President at vp1@cupe3902.org and/or the Equity Office at eo@cupe3902.org. Please note that in accordance with the Local’s Equity Statement, abusive language in communications will not be tolerated.
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Each year of the International Workers Legal Fund (September 1 to August 31), anyone who meets the following criteria is eligible to apply:
You have secured at least 1 hour of Unit 1 work by the time the application is made
You are international (i.e., not a citizen or permanent resident of Canada)
You are experiencing legal troubles related to your visa and/or immigration status that interfere with your ability to perform your Unit 1 work
Application deadlines: Applications are due during the fund year in which expenses are incurred.
Please write to your Equity Officer at eo@cupe3902.org if you have any questions.
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After meeting the criteria of being within the fund year September 1 to August 31 and having worked one hour in Unit 1, other criteria will be weighed.
Understanding that your status as an international worker can impact many areas of life, the fund deliberately does not define all eligible expenses. Members are invited to submit claims for any paid, documented expenses they consider eligible.
The IWLF is intended to assist members with reimbursement of legal costs associated with a situation such as deportation. As such, costs associated with applying for permanent residency or citizenship, applying for or renewing a visa, passport, or routine legal costs related to immigration are not eligible.
Examples of eligible paid, documented expenses include:
Legal fees related to an immigration situation (for members and/or their dependents)
Associated filing fees
Childcare needed to make legal appointments
Transportation to and from legal appointments
Lost wages for days in court
Repatriation, including moving fees, travel costs, etc.
Expenses incurred in the fund year (September 1 to August 31) will be eligible for reimbursement
Receipts must be submitted for all claimed expenses clearly showing the dates and amounts incurred within the period specified by the applicant. Lack of proper documentation may result in your application being denied as the Equity Funds Subcommittee will not be able to fully assess your application.
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Each applicant has a yearly cap of $8000 for the International Workers Legal Fund.
The fund year spans from September 1 to August 31.
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Equity Fund review meetings are scheduled to take place monthly. For your application to be considered at these meetings, it must be received at a reasonable time before the Equity Funds Subcommittee meeting.
We aim to communicate application results to eligible applicants within two weeks of approval. Funds are normally disbursed within two months of the application results. -
Eligible applications will be reviewed by the Equity Funds Subcommittee.
The Equity Funds Subcommittee is chaired by the Equity Officer. Voting members are the Secretary-Treasurer, the President (or designate), the Vice-Presidents of any Unit with Equity Funds, and up to two members per Equity Fund to represent the relevant constituencies, to be appointed by the Executive Committee after a call for applications.
The Equity Officer chairs meetings of the Equity Funds Committee, presenting the anonymized version of each application to the committee for review.
Only the Equity Officer and Secretary Treasurer have access to Equity Fund applications in full.
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If you have worked at least 1 hour since September 1 of the fund year and once the database has been updated with payroll information, the application form will be available online and accessible through the Union’s website. To find the application, login to the Member Portal (found by scrolling up to the top right of this page), and select the ‘Forms’ tab.
A complete application for the fund must include:
Political membership — you must have signed a membership card or filled out a Membership Application Form.
If you do not have a CUPE No. (found on the left-hand side of the Portal home page), then you have yet to gain political membership.
To do so, select the ‘Forms’ tab and fill out the Membership Application Form.
Note: processing membership applications can take up to four days.
International Workers Legal Fund Application Form
Supporting documentation — this documentation must include a statement outlining the need for which funding is being requested, and any other supporting documentation you may have (receipts, proof of GreenShield claim denial, letters of support, etc.). Claims submitted without proper receipts will be denied.
You will receive an automatic confirmation email for each application you submit.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. The fund year is September 1 to August 31. The fund cap resets every year.
Undergraduate Student Workers Fund (USWF)
Eligibility period: have/will have performed at least 30 hours of Unit 1 work between September 1 and August 31 of the year in which the application is made.
Purpose: To provide financial support to undergraduate student workers with the aim of reducing financial precarity.
Financial Assistance Funds
Please see the Fund Application FAQ to answer commonly asked questions related to fund applications.
Student Workers Assistance Fund (SWAF) >
Undergraduate Student Workers Fund (USWF) >
International Health Plan Assistance Fund (IHPAF)>
U of T Family Plan Assistance Fund (UFPAF)>
Student Workers Assistance Fund (SWAF)
NEW! Beginning in 2026, the SWAF eligibility threshold, disbursement caps, and processes have changed to better reflect members’ needs. Please read carefully.
Eligibility period: have/will have performed at least 30 hours of Unit 1 work between September 1 and August 31 of the year in which the application is made.
Purpose: To provide funding support to graduate members who receive less than $25,000 in funding per year.
The Student Workers Assistance Fund (SWAF) provides funding support to any graduate student who receives less than $25,000 of funding a year (including any tuition and fees covered in funding packages). Members may be funded, unfunded, or partially funded by their departments but must receive less than the $25,000 threshold to be eligible. There will be one application round for all members in August of each year.
If you are an undergraduate student worker, you can apply to the Undergraduate Student Workers Fund.
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Anyone who meets the following criteria is eligible to apply:
(a) You have secured at least 30 hours of Unit 1 work between September 1 and the time of application
(b) You were a graduate student in the 2025-26 academic year
(c) You received less than $25,000 in funding (excluding T4 wages) in the application year or you were unfunded in the application year
Eligible members include:
Graduate student members who are not funded
Unfunded members may include members who are graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, as well as the following student categories: professional students, performance students, other non-research and unfunded students, post-funded, never funded, and flex-time/part-time students.
Graduate student members who are receiving a funding package below $25,000 (including funded tuition and fees covered in the funding package) for the academic year spanning September to August.
Funded members may include research or professional students, performance students, other non-research students, flex-time/part time students receiving funding
Graduate student members who receive some form of funding (i.e. DCA, OGS, SSHRC, internal/external grants) less than $25,000 total
Partially funded members who receive a funding package for only a portion of the academic year
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The SWAF aims to bring eligible members as close to $25,000 in funding as possible. It is a form of tuition reimbursement for costs incurred during the academic year in which application is made. While the SWAF will be most helpful for unfunded and post-funded members receiving $0 in funding, anyone receiving under $25,000 in funding may be eligible for a disbursement.
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For the purposes of the SWAF, funding is defined as follows:
For members with a funding letter, the T4A awards and T4 income that make up the “total funding” in your funding letter.
For members without a funding letter, any T4A awards that you receive.
Funding might be comprised of many kinds of awards and incomes, such as supervisor stipends, internal and external grants and awards (e.g., DCA, OGS, SSHRC, NSERC, etc.), other funding provided by your supervisor, your department, the university, the Canadian or other government, or other funding bodies, T4A RAships (i.e. RAships in the Life and Physical Sciences and Engineering departments and some RAships in other departments), and any T4 income (TA/RA/GA work, etc.) included in the “base funding” if you received a funding letter.
What is not counted as funding?
Funding is not comprised of financial aid, reimbursables, and most work such as: OSAP loans/grants or other financial aid loans/grants, bursaries for students with disabilities, or university emergency grants (e.g., COVID-19 emergency funds), conference/travel/research grants, and T4 income not included in “base funding” if you received a funding letter.
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The fund will disburse the difference between your funding (see “What counts as funding?” above) and $25,000, up to a cap of $5,000. In addition, if there are remaining monies in the SWAF once the $5,000 caps are met for all successful applicants, they will be disbursed to applicants who still remain under $25,000. This is calculated as a percentage of the remaining gap between their funding and $25,000. Members who are receiving $0 in funding will receive the highest percentages of the remaining funds in the SWAF.
Examples for members with $20,000 to $25,000 in funding:
If your funding is $20,000, you will receive $5,000.
If your funding is $22,500, you will receive $2,500.Examples for members with $0 to $20,000 in funding:
If your funding is $0, you will receive 5,000 + a larger percentage of the remaining $20,000 gap between your funding and $25,000 if there is remaining money in the SWAF. Members who are receiving the lowest amounts of funding will receive the largest disbursements from the SWAF.
If your funding is $15,000, you will receive $5,000 + a smaller percentage of the remaining $5000 gap between your funding and $25,000 if there is remaining money in the SWAF.
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Applications are usually processed within two months of the application’s closing date. For SWAF, we aim to follow with disbursements in November/December each year.
SWAF is the last Unit 1 fund to be disbursed each year, as the budget consists of the remaining funds in the Unit 1 Employee Financial Assistance Funds after all other Unit 1 funds. This ensures that members receive the most they possibly can from the SWAF each year. For this reason, we cannot guarantee a firm timeline each year and will notify members if any delays arise.
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Applications will be accepted between August 1 to 30 each year.
When the application opens on August 1, the form will be available online and accessible through the Union’s website. To find the application, login to the Member Portal (also found by scrolling up to the top right of this page). If you do not see the application and you think you are eligible, please email office@cupe3902.org.
Required Documents
A complete application for the SWAF will include:
The SWAF Application Form
Supporting documentation:
Your funding letter for the relevant academic year, if applicable (only for members who receive some form of funding)
Your ACORN account invoice
Documentation for any funding (excluding T4 wages, OSAP Grants and any grants that explicitly reimburse expenses, e.g., travel, conference, research grants) not captured on your ACORN Invoice.
If you do not have a membership card (i.e., you do not have a CUPE No., found on the left-hand side of your Member Portal home page), fill out a Membership Application Form (also found on the ‘Forms’ tab of the Member Portal).
PLEASE NOTE: Processing membership applications can take up to four days. Failure to fill out a membership application in a timely way is not grounds for submitting a late application. If you experience any issues during the application process, please see the Fund Application FAQ for answers to commonly asked questions.
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I do not have a funding letter.
The funding letter is issued to bargaining-unit employees in funded or partially funded programs between August 15 and September of each academic year. You will not receive a funding letter if you are unfunded (i.e. post-funded members, members in unfunded programs).
If you were in a funded cohort and only became a bargaining-unit employee after September 30 of a given academic year, you should have received your funding letter no later than 30 calendar days after the start of your appointment. If after 30 days you still have not received the information about your funding, you can request a copy from your departmental administrator.
Your department owes you any information you request about income you’ve received from them. If your department refuses to provide a funding letter, please contact grievance.inquiries@cupe3902.org with the following info:
who you contacted in your department,
what you contacted them about,
and what their response was.
If your department’s refusal to provide documentation is preventing you from submitting a completed SWAF application before the deadline, please submit the SWAF application with an upload of your attempts at correspondence in lieu of the documentation.
I was not enrolled as a student for the full year (due to a leave, graduation, late start, etc.).
You are still eligible to receive a SWAF disbursement for whatever portion of the year you were enrolled. Your disbursement will be prorated.
I will only reach 30 hours of Unit 1 work by the end of August. What do I do?
Reach out funds@cupe3902.org. Please provide an attachment showing confirmation that 30 Unit 1 hours are scheduled by August 31st.
Do you accept late applications?
We’re unable to accept any late applications as this will delay SWAF disbursements. If you are unable to fill out the application between August 1 and 30, please notify us before the Aug 30 deadline by emailing funds@cupe3902.org.
My address has changed since I applied. What do I do?
If your address changes before you receive a disbursement, you can email funds@cupe3902.org to ensure the cheque gets sent to the correct address.
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For the September 1 to August 31 round of the USWF, anyone who meets the following criteria is eligible to apply:
You have secured at least 30 hours of Unit 1 work between September 1 and the time of application
You were an undergraduate student in the application year
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You are still eligible to receive a USWF disbursement even if you were not enrolled as a student for the full year (due to a leave, graduation, late start, etc.).
Please provide a screenshot of your academic history if you were enrolled for only part of the academic year due to graduation (see “How do I apply?” below for a full list of required documents).
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USWF now allots $275,000 of the Unit 1 Employee Financial Assistance Funds to undergraduate student workers.
Applicants will receive equal disbursements, proportional to demand, up to an amount of $2,000. -
Applications will be open from August 1 to 30 each year. Applications will be processed after the closing date. We aim to follow with disbursements in November.
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Applications will be accepted between August 1 to 30.
When the application opens on August 1, the form will be available online and accessible through the Union’s website. To find the application, login to the Member Portal (found by scrolling up to the top right of this page).
A complete application for the USWF will include:
The USWF Application Form
Supporting documentation:
your ACORN proof of registration
your ACORN account invoice
Your academic history if you were enrolled for only part of the year due to graduation
If you do not have a membership card (i.e., you do not have a CUPE No., found on the left-hand side of your Member Portal home page), fill out a Membership Application Form (also found on the ‘Forms’ tab of the Member Portal). PLEASE NOTE: processing membership applications can take up to four days. Failure to fill out a membership application in a timely way is not grounds for submitting a late application. If you experience any issues during the application process, please see the Fund Application FAQ for answers to commonly asked questions.
International Health Plan Assistance Fund (IHPAF)
Eligibility period: have/will have performed at least 30 hours of Unit 1 work between September 1 and August 31 of the year in which the application is made.
Purpose: cover UHIP enrolment fees for members who, because of their international status and are no longer in the funded cohort, must pay out-of-pocket for UHIP for themselves, their spouse, or dependent child(ren). Members who receive major external awards that fully replace funding packages are not eligible.
The International Health Plan Assistance Fund (IHPAF) is for members who, because of their international status, must pay out-of-pocket UHIP enrolment fees for themselves, their spouse, and/or their dependent child(ren).
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The Unit 1 IHPAF is disbursed in two rounds. Anyone who meets the following criteria is eligible to apply:
(a) Either you have performed at least 30 hours of Unit 1 work between September 1 and the application deadline, if you are applying in Round 1; or you have secured at least 30 hours of Unit 1 work between September 1 and August 31 of the following year, if you are applying in Round 2.
(b) You are an international member who paid UHIP fees out of pocket for yourself, your spouse, and/or your dependent child(ren) in the academic year.
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UHIP fees for eligible members’ spouses and/or their dependent child(ren) are always eligible. UHIP fees for members themselves are only eligible if paid out of pocket, that is, not covered by a funding package. All students in the funded cohort have their UHIP fees covered by the funding package, except those who pay domestic tuition while enrolled in the UHIP.
Members who receive major external awards that fully replace their funding package (e.g. SSHRC, Vanier, etc.) will not be eligible.
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The fund reimburses eligible UHIP fees in full. In an academic year, a full year of UHIP coverage costs $756 per person.
The IHPAF has been allocated $150,000 for the current year. If there are monies left over after the fund has reimbursed 100% of all eligible claims, the remainder of the monies will be reallocated to the SWAF for that year.
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Applications for the first round will open February 1 to 28. Disbursements will follow in May.
There will be a second round of applications from July 1 to 31. This is to allow members who were not eligible in February (because they haven’t reached the 30 hour work requirement) to apply. Disbursements will follow in October.
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If you lost your receipt for the coverage of your spouse/dependent, you can get it reprinted at the UHIP office at 33 St. George Street or you can email the UHIP office to ask for a digital copy.
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When the application opens on February 1, the form will be available online and accessible through the Member Portal (found by scrolling up to the top right of this page).
A complete application for the IHPAF will include:
the IHPAF Application Form, and
supporting documentation—your ACORN Account Invoice showing you paid UHIP fees out of pocket in the current academic year.
Please note: if you are claiming fees for your spouse/dependent child(ren), the receipt(s) must show their full name(s) and period of coverage.
You will receive an automatic confirmation email after submitting your application. PLEASE NOTE: if you do not receive a confirmation email, you did not successfully submit your application.
If you do not have (a) a membership card (i.e., you do not have a CUPE No., found on the left-hand side of the Portal home page), you will be directed to fill out a Membership Application Form (also found on the ‘Forms’ tab). When your membership application is processed, the IHPAF Application Form will be accessible through the portal.
PLEASE NOTE: processing membership applications can take up to one hour. Failure to fill out a membership application in a timely way is not grounds for submitting a late application. If you experience any issues during the application process, please see the Fund Application FAQ for answers to commonly asked questions.
Round 1: Applications will be accepted between February 1 to 28
Round 2: Applications will be accepted between July 1 to 31
U of T Family Plan Assistance Fund (UFPAF)
FEBRUARY 1 TO 28 & JULY 1 TO 31
Eligibility period: have/will have performed at least 30 hours of Unit 1 work between September 1 and August 31 of the year in which the application is made.
Purpose: cover U of T student or postdoc base plan enrolment fees for members who pay out-of-pocket for coverage for their spouse and/or dependent child(ren) on their U of T base health care plan.
The U of T Family Plan Assistance Fund (UFPAF) is for members who pay out-of-pocket enrolment fees to add their spouse and/or their dependent child(ren) to their U of T student or postdoc plan.
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The Unit 1 UFPAF is disbursed in two rounds. Anyone who meets the following criteria is eligible to apply:
(a) Either you have performed at least 30 hours of Unit 1 work between September 1 and the application deadline, if you are applying in Round 1, or you have secured at least 30 hours of Unit 1 work between September 1 and August 31 of the following year, if you are applying in Round 2.
(b) You paid fees to add your spouse and/or dependent child(ren) to your UofT base plan in the current academic year.
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Eligible expenses include the fees you paid to enrol your spouse and/or dependent child(ren) to your UofT base plan in the current academic year. UofT base plans include: the GSU plan (graduate students), the PDF plan (postdoctoral fellows), the UTSU plan (undergraduate students), the APUS plan (part-time students), and the SCSU plan (undergraduate students, UTSC).
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The fund reimburses a percentage of the cost of adding your spouse and/or dependents to your UofT student or postdoc base plan.
The UFPAF has been allocated $140,000 for the current year. If there are monies left over after the fund has reimbursed 100% of all eligible claims, the remainder of the monies will be reallocated to the SWAF for that year.
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Applications for the first round will be open February 1 to 28. Disbursements will follow in May.
There will be a second round of applications from July 1 to 31. This is to allow members who were not eligible in February (because they haven’t reached the 30 hour work requirement) to apply. Disbursements will follow in October.
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If you lost your receipt for the coverage of your spouse/dependent, you can call Student Care at 1-866-416-8707 to request a copy of your receipt.
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When the application opens on February 1, the form will be available online and accessible through the Member Portal (found by scrolling up to the top right of this page).
A complete application for the UFPAF will include:
the UFPAF Application Form, and,
supporting documentation—a receipt showing you paid to add your spouse and/or dependents to your UofT student or postdoc base plan in the current academic year (email confirmation showing the amount paid is sufficient).
Please note: if you are claiming fees for your spouse/dependent child(ren), the receipt(s) must show their full name(s) and period of coverage.
You will receive an immediate confirmation email for each application you submit.
PLEASE NOTE: if you do not receive a confirmation email you did not successfully submit the application.
If you do not have (a) a membership card (i.e., you do not have a CUPE No., found on the left-hand side of the Portal home page), you will be directed to fill out a Membership Application Form (also found on the ‘Forms’ tab). When your membership application is processed, the UFPAF Application Form will be accessible through the portal.
PLEASE NOTE: processing membership applications can take up to one hour. Failure to fill out a membership application in a timely way is not grounds for submitting a late application. If you experience any issues during the application process, please see the Fund Application FAQ for answers to commonly asked questions.
Round 1 : Applications will be accepted February 1 to 28
Round 2 : Applications will be accepted July 1 to 31
Research Assistants Defence Fund (RADF)
JULY 1 TO 31
Eligibility period: have/will have performed at least 30 hours of Unit 1 work between September 1 and August 31 of the year in which the application is made.
Purpose: protect the funding package for students in the funded cohort (as defined by SGS) in Divisions 1 and 2 (Humanities and Social Sciences) who are forced to undertake T4 taxable RA work in order to receive their minimum guaranteed funding.
The Research Assistants Defence Fund (RADF) compensates members in divisions 1 and 2 (Humanities and Social Sciences) who are forced to undertake T4 taxable RA work in order to receive the minimum guaranteed funding package.
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Anyone who meets the following criteria is eligible to apply:
(a) You have secured at least 30 hours of Unit 1 work between September 1 to August 31.
(b) You were registered as a student and a member of the funded cohort in the current academic year.
(c) The combined value of TA and RA work included in your funding package must be greater than $8,043 (i.e., the maximum amount of TA work the Employer can count towards the minimum funding commitment).
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For RA work to count for the purposes of this fund, it must be both:
1) T4 taxable RA work, and
2) included in the funding package (as noted in the funding letter).
PLEASE NOTE: members in divisions 3 and 4 (in Engineering and the Physical Sciences or Life Sciences departments) are ineligible for this fund, because RAships in those departments are not T4 taxable income.
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You can find your paystubs here: http://ess.hrandequity.utoronto.ca. If a payment has taxes deducted from it, it is T4. If you have multiple RAships, please contact your department’s administrative staff to confirm that the one in your funding package is T4.
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The RADF has been allocated $25,000 for the current year. The fund compensates members in divisions 1 and 2 (Humanities and Social Sciences) in full for any T4 taxable RA work included in their funding package (if the combined value of TA and RA work included in their funding package is greater than $8,043).
If there are monies left over after the fund has reimbursed all eligible claims, the remainder of the monies will be reallocated to the SWAF for that year. -
Applications for this fund will be open July 1 to 31. Disbursements will follow in October.
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When the application opens on July 1, the form will be available online and accessible through the Member Portal (found by scrolling up to the top right of this page).
A complete application for the RADF will include:
the RADF Application Form;
supporting documentation—your funding letter and signed contracts/DDAH forms confirming your TA and RA work in the current academic year and
your pay slips from September to June.
If you don’t see the application form for the RADF on the Member Portal (under ‘Forms’) during the application period, then you will need to fill out a Membership Application Form (also found on the ‘Forms’ tab). When your membership application is processed, the RADF Application Form will be accessible through the portal.
PLEASE NOTE: processing membership applications can take up to one hour. Failure to fill out a membership application in a timely way is not grounds for submitting a late application. If you experience any issues during the application process, please see the Fund Application FAQ for answers to commonly asked questions.Applications will be accepted July 1 to 31.
Childcare Financial Assistance Fund (CFAF)
Final Round: Open for Applications March 1 to 31, 2026
Eligibility period: Has performed at least 1 hour of Unit 1 work between September 1, 2025 and December 31, 2025.
Purpose: To offset any childcare expenses incurred between September 1, 2025 and December 31, 2025. Children must be within set age ranges to be considered eligible.
The Childcare Financial Assistance Fund (CFAF) supports Unit 1 members who are parents of one or more of their (step-)children in the eligible age range.
UPDATE: For costs incurred on or after January 1, 2026, the Employer is responsible for administering the Child Care Fund as per the Child Care Benefit Plan Memorandum of Agreement.
As per the Employer's February 12, 2026 email, make sure you have logged in to the HR Service Centre and completed the CUPE 3902 Unit 1: Child Care Benefit plan form no later than 5:00 pm on Wednesday, March 18, 2026.
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Anyone who meets the following criteria is eligible to apply:
(a) You performed at least 1 hour of Unit 1 work between September 1, 2025 and December 31, 2025.
(b) You have (step-)children in the eligible age range: from birth until the day they turn 16.
Members will no longer be required to provide receipts to be eligible for a disbursement.
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The eligible age range for the final CFAF round September 1, 2025 to December 31, 2025 is from birth until the day they turn 16, meaning September 1 of the calendar year in which they turn 16.
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Eligible members will not need to provide receipts for any expenses moving forward.
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The final CFAF round has been allocated $500,000 for September to December 2025. Members can receive up to $2,000 per eligible child.
Disbursement amounts vary depending on the total number of applicants and their overall need; thus, we cannot confirm disbursement amounts in advance.
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Applications are usually processed within two months of the application's closing date. For CFAF, we aim to follow with disbursements in May/June 2026.
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Applications will be accepted March 1 to 31, 2026. Late applications will not be accepted.
When the application opens on March 1, 2026 the form will be available online and accessible through the Union’s website. To find the application, login to the Member Portal (found by scrolling up to the top right of this page).
A complete application for the CFAF will include:
the CFAF Application Form,
Supporting documentation:
a copy of the child’s birth certificate, or a screenshot of your GreenShield account showing confirmation of enrolled dependent(s) and their age(s)
You will receive an immediate confirmation email for each application you submit.
PLEASE NOTE: if you do not receive a confirmation email, you did not successfully submit the application.
If you do not have a membership card (i.e., you do not have a CUPE No., found on the left-hand side of the Portal home page), you will be directed to fill out a Membership Application Form (also found on the ‘Forms’ tab). When your membership application is processed, the CFAF Application Form will be accessible through the portal.
PLEASE NOTE: processing membership applications can take up to one hour. Failure to fill out a membership application in a timely way is not grounds for submitting a late application. If you experience any issues during the application process, please see the Fund Application FAQ for answers to commonly asked questions.
How to Access Application Forms
During application periods, forms will be accessible through the Member Portal.
If, during application periods, you are eligible but do not see application forms on the Member Portal (under ‘Forms’), then you likely need to fill out a Membership Application Form (also found under the ‘Forms’ tab). When your membership application is processed, then the application forms for funds you may be eligible for will be accessible through the portal.
PLEASE NOTE: processing of membership applications can take up to four business days.
If you do not know your Member ID number, which is required for fund and membership applications, you can find it in your CUPE 3902 newsletter footer at the bottom of the email, or by filling out this form in the Member Portal. For support, please contact website@cupe3902.org.