Benefits
Member Benefits
The Buffalo Teachers Federation is committed to supporting members throughout every stage of their careers. This section provides information on the benefits available to eligible members, including dental and optical coverage, prescription copay reimbursement, the Sick Leave Bank Program, and the Extended Pay Plan.
Explore the resources below to learn more about each benefit and find the information you need. Be sure to check back regularly for updates, forms, deadlines, and important announcements.
Sick Leave Bank
The Sick Leave Bank (SLB) is a member-supported program that provides additional paid sick leave to eligible Buffalo Teachers Federation members who experience a prolonged personal illness of more than five (5) days, have exhausted their accumulated sick leave and contractual Board extensions (if eligible). Members participate by donating a minimum of two sick days annually, helping ensure support is available when fellow members face serious health challenges.
The Sick Leave Bank is available only for a member’s personal illness and is designed to provide financial security during extended medical absences. Eligibility requirements, benefit limits, enrollment periods, and application procedures are governed by the official Sick Leave Bank Guidelines (found HERE).
For questions about membership, eligibility, enrollment, or benefits, please contact Susan at (716) 881-5400 or email Susan for assistance.
Extended Pay Plan
2026 Summer Extended Pay Plan Disbursement Dates
4 Disbursements:
July 17, 2026 · July 31, 2026 · August 14, 2026 · August 28, 2026
2 Disbursements:
July 17, 2026 · August 17, 2026
1 Disbursement:
July 17, 2026
The Buffalo Teachers Federation Extended Pay Plan is an optional payroll savings program that allows participating teachers to set aside a portion of their salary during the school year and receive those funds as summer income.
Payroll deductions are taken from a set number of pay periods during the school year. Members choose the amount they wish to contribute, with a minimum deduction and incremental increases available.
At enrollment, participants select one of three summer payout options: one, two, or four direct deposits. All summer payments are issued via direct deposit only.
This program helps members budget for summer months while also generating interest income that helps offset administrative costs of the BTF, supporting efforts to keep dues lower.
For more information, please visit the FAQ page for answers to frequently asked questions about enrollment, deductions, payments, and withdrawals from the Extended Pay Plan.
For further assistance, please email Jackie Newton by clicking HERE.
Delta Dental
The Buffalo Teachers Federation is proud to offer comprehensive dental coverage through Delta Dental. This benefit helps members and their eligible dependents maintain good oral health through preventive, restorative, and specialized dental services.
Upon enrollment, Delta Dental will mail two identification cards to the teacher member. Members can create an account on the Delta Dental website to view eligibility, benefits, claims information, print ID cards, and search for participating providers. While using an in-network dentist generally provides the greatest value, members may also visit out-of-network providers, with benefits paid according to the applicable out-of-network allowance schedule.
Key benefits of the program include no deductible for single coverage, a low annual deductible for family coverage, generous annual benefit maximums, and lifetime allowances for periodontal and orthodontic services. Coverage also includes major restorative services such as crowns, bridges, and dentures, subject to plan limitations.
Members are encouraged to review their dental statements carefully and remember that reimbursement claims must be submitted within six months of the date of service. If coverage would otherwise end, COBRA may be available to extend dental benefits for eligible members and dependents.
For detailed benefit schedules, provider information, or assistance with claims and eligibility, please review the resources below or contact the Supplemental Benefit Fund office.
Optical Benefits
The Buffalo Teachers Federation Supplemental Benefit Fund provides optical benefits for eligible members, their spouses, and dependent children up to age 26. This benefit helps offset the cost of routine eye care, prescription lenses, frames, and contact lenses.
Covered services include comprehensive eye examinations performed by a licensed physician or optometrist. Teacher members are eligible for reimbursement of up to $50 for one eye examination every two years, while eligible dependents may receive up to $35 for one examination during the same period.
Members are also eligible for reimbursement for frames, lenses, and contact lenses. The plan allows separate reimbursement opportunities for frames and lenses within each two-year eligibility period, providing greater flexibility when purchasing eyewear.
To receive reimbursement, members must pay the provider in full and submit a completed claim form to the BTF-SBF Office. Claims must be submitted within six months of the date of service. Members are encouraged to verify their eligibility before making a purchase to ensure they receive the maximum available benefit.
For questions regarding eligibility, benefits, or the reimbursement process, please contact the Supplemental Benefit Fund office.
Extended Benefits
Members diagnosed with cataracts, glaucoma, or diabetes may be eligible for additional Optical Benefits. Please contact the SBF at (716) 881-5462 for more information.
Payment Schedule
View the current Optical Allowance Schedule to see reimbursement amounts for eye examinations, frames, lenses, contact lenses, and other covered optical services.
Optical Claim Form
Use the Optical Claim Form to request reimbursement for eligible eye examinations, frames, lenses, and contact lenses covered under the BTF Supplemental Benefit Fund.
Prescription Copay
The Buffalo Teachers Federation Supplemental Benefit Fund offers a Prescription Copay Reimbursement benefit for teacher members and their eligible dependents. This benefit provides reimbursement of up to $3.00 per 30-day prescription supply when the copay amount is at least $3.00, with a maximum reimbursement of $150 per person per calendar year.
To receive reimbursement, complete a Copay Claim Form (found HERE) and submit it along with a computer-generated printout from your pharmacy showing the patient’s name, prescription purchase date, medication name, provider, and amount paid. Members should keep a copy of all submitted documents for their records.
Once completed, mail the claim form and supporting documentation to:
BTF Supplemental Benefit Fund
271 Porter Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14201
For questions regarding eligibility, claim requirements, or reimbursement status, please contact the SBF Office.
Death Benefit
The Buffalo Teachers Federation Supplemental Benefit Fund (SBF) provides a $2,000 death benefit to the designated beneficiary of any Buffalo teacher who passes away while still employed and on the Buffalo Board of Education payroll.
Members who would like to verify or update their beneficiary information, or who have questions regarding this benefit, should contact the BTF/SBF Office at (716) 881-5462.