Benefits – Unit 1
Submitting a Claim
Most frequent questions and answers
Where can I find the claim forms?
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.
What is the Emergency Financial Assistance Fund?
The Emergency Financial Assistance Fund (EFAF) 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) and a completed EFAF application form (www.cupe3913.on.ca/resources) must be sent to efaf@cupe3913.on.ca;
- The message must include employee number (found on paystubs) and full and current mailing address.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact the President (president@cupe3913.on.ca) or Shelly Sarkisian, CUPE 3913’s Administration and Finance Coordinator, at adminfinance@cupe3913.on.ca
Once logged in, the application form button will appear below.
What benefits am I eligible to receive?
Members of Unit 1 (TAs and GSA-1s) are eligible to claim vision care expenses up to $300 per academic year (September to August) for themselves, their spouses or partners, and their dependents. Unit 1 members also have $300 of mental health coverage which covers counselling only. Such claims at reimbursed at 50% per claim.
Members have benefits coverage up until 1 year after their last work assignment. For example, if your last work assignment was Fall 2022, you would have coverage from Sept 1,2022-August 31, 2023. The deadline to submit those claims is Sept 15th, 2023. Your benefits balance would reset in September 2023 and you would be eligible for benefits from Sept 1, 2023-December 31, 2023.
How do I notify CUPE Local 3913 of the names of my spouse/dependants?
This is done through the claim process itself. We do not currently have a system in place which allows members to register or identify their spouses/dependants outside of the claims process.
What is a “primary coverage provider”?
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 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.
What additional supporting documents am I required to submit if I am a part-time student?
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.
How do I attach supporting documents to my claim if I don’t have a scanner, smart phone, or other similar device?
Make an appointment with the Finance Committee by emailing benefits@cupe3913.on.ca.
How can I have someone assist me with scanning my supporting documents if I’m at Guelph-Humber?
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.
Benefits – General
Can I pick up my reimbursement cheque in person?
No. Reimbursement cheques are mailed out shortly after claims are processed (1-2 business days). Your cheque will be mailed to the address you include on your claim form.
What can I do if I still have claims from the previous academic year?
Claims from the previous academic year can be submitted up to and including September 15 of the current academic year (if the benefits pool has not been exhausted).
When should I expect to receive a response to my claim submission?
The Finance Committee processes claims on a weekly basis. This means that most reimbursement cheques will be mailed within 2 weeks of the claim submission. Claims which contain errors, missing information, or other issues may take longer to process. Claims will not be processed when the office is closed for holidays (usually from mid-December to the beginning of January).
Who do I contact if I have any other questions about benefits?
Contact our Finance Committee directly at benefits@cupe3913.on.ca.
