Frequently Asked Questions

Members of Unit 1 (TAs and GSA-1s) are eligible to claim vision, counselling and prescription medication expenses up to $600 per academic year (September to August) for themselves, their spouses or partners, and their dependents. Please ensure that you have first submitted your claims to your primary insurance provider  through the GSA office (Canada Life).  Please include the "Explanation of Benefits" provided from the insurance company.  This will allow us to know the amount of the claim that was not reimbursed.

Members have benefits coverage up to 1 year after their last work assignment. For example, if your last work assignment was Fall 2024, you would have coverage from Sept 1, 2024-August 31, 2024. The deadline to submit those claims is Sept 15th, 2024. Your benefits balance would reset in September 2024 and you would be eligible for benefits from Sept 1, 2024-December 31, 2024.

You can only see the claim forms once you’ve logged in. A button will appear immediately below when you are logged in. A link will also appear under the benefits tab.

The Financial Assistance Fund (FAF) is in place to help Unit 1 members deal with unexpected expenses.

The criteria for disbursement for the fund are based on expenses not covered by OHIP or UHIP, and are as follows:

Medical:

• Dental and Vision emergencies;
• Ambulance expenses;
• Cane, cast, crutches, splints, and wheelchair rentals;
• Hospital expenses.

Domestic

• Utilities (hydro, gas, water, internet);
• Groceries;
• Technology (tablet, laptop).
• Rent Relief

Childcare (Dependents from birth to twelve (12) years)

• Home childcare emergency;
• Outside childcare cost relief;
• Childcare necessities (diapers, clothes, food, breast pump);

Force Majeure

• Fire, water, and wind damage to residences and/or cars (this does not include rental cars or expenses covered by rental agreements);
• Theft.
• Any medical emergency expenses for children not covered by OHIP and UHIP.

Emergency Transportation (This criterion is limited to in-town and in-province travel for emergencies)

• Car rental;
• Cab fare;
• Public transportation.

Please note:

Every Unit 1 member can claim up to and including a maximum of $500 per academic year. Members have coverage up to One (1) year after their last work assignment;

Claims (with supporting documents) can be submitted through the online member portal.

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact the President or the Administration and Finance Coordinator.

This is done through the member portal.  Once you logged in, please select the "Family Member" button to add your dependents.  Once approved you will be able to submit claims on their behalf.

A primary coverage provider is an insurance company, benefits plan, or other means of reimbursement that you use first (and before you seek reimbursement from CUPE Local 3913). Your primary coverage provider is likely different depending on the bargaining unit of which you’re a member.

Members of Unit 1 likely use the GSA or CSA (Canada Life) as their primary coverage provider. All members of Unit 1 have a primary coverage provider unless you are a part-time student in which case you must submit documentation with your claim confirming your part-time status in the current academic semester. You must submit supporting documents that verify that you have exhausted other providers before your claim will be assessed.

If you are a part-time student you must submit documentation with your claim confirming your part-time status in the current academic semester. We apologize for this inconvenience but the lists that we currently receive from the Employer do not contain this information and we have no other way of verifying it.

Make an appointment with the Finance Committee by emailing benefits@cupe3913.on.ca.

Mail your supporting documents to our office with a short note of explanation, including your email address. We will scan your documents and email them to you so that you can complete your claim.