Benefits – Unit 2
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 benefits am I eligible to receive?
Members of Unit 2(Sessional Lecturers) are eligible to claim any expenses under the Income Tax Act 118.2(2) up to $1000 per academic year (September to August) for themselves, their spouses or partners, and their dependents. The most commonly claimed eligible expenses are dental, prescription drugs, vision care, physiotherapy, massage therapy, and chiropractic.
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).
It is likely that members of Unit 2 will not have primary coverage from another source. In a situation where CUPE Local 3913 is the only coverage provider for a Unit 2 member no supporting documents are required.
Note: Benefits through CUPE Local 3913 are not “secondary” but “supplemental”. This means that any number of other coverage providers must be exhausted before expenses are submitted to the Local for reimbursement.
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.
