BENEFITS
TEACHING ASSISTANTS
The benefit application process has changed for 2024-2025,
all applications are now submitted via the Google forms below.
Please carefully read the instructions for how to correctly submit an application and
provide all requested documentation.
DISCLAIMER: Applications that are incomplete, missing required documentation, and/or do not meet the benefit's eligibility criteria cannot be considered.
Extended Health Plan
The Extended Health Plan is a supplement to Graduate Teaching Assistant's existing health insurance (e.g., the SOGS supplemental health plan or private insurance). The Extended Health Plan acts as a rebate system that covers both physical and mental health costs up to $1000/year.
All members who have held a Teaching Assistant position for at least one term in the academic year are eligible for the fund.
The 2024-2025 Academic Year deadline is September 30th, 2025.
Mental Health Fund
Similar to the Extended Health Plan, the Mental Health Fund acts as a rebate system that covers $599/year towards mental health costs (e.g., therapies, medications, etc). Once you have used all $599, members are welcome to use their Extended Health Plan and subsequently, Financial Assistance Funds to cover any remaining mental health costs.
All members that have held a Teaching Assistant position for at least one term in the academic year are eligible for the fund.
Per the Bylaws, the fund is available on a first come, first serve basis until the allocated $51,000 is exhausted. We will update the remaining balance below:
As of January 14, 2025 the remaining balance is $42,433.07
The 2024-2025 Academic Year deadline is September 30th, 2025.
Financial Assistance Fund
The Financial Assistance Fund exists to provide support to members who experience unexpected financial need. There are four types of expenses that can be funded with appropriate justification, please select the type of assistance you would like to apply for from the options below:
Fall Term: September 1st to December 31st (Final fall term deadline is Jan. 20th, 2025)
Winter Term: January 1st to April 31st (Forms will be available Feb. 1, 2025)
Note that this fund is limited and we cannot offer funding to all applicants. The Union's Financial Assistance Committee determines priority.
Food Support Fund
Food Support is intended to aid members who are experiencing unexpected financial need or an emergency that diverts income from their food budget. With a limited budget, the fund is not sufficient to address chronic need and may only be received once per academic year. Given these limited resources, not everyone will be approved.
The Food Support committee will determine the amount available for disbursement to eligible members (including additional amounts for dependents) and the maximum disbursement per term/year. Members who live with a partner who is also employed as a GTA or Postdoc at Western shall apply together on one application.
Fall Term: September 1st to December 31st (Final fall term deadline is Jan. 20th, 2025)
Winter Term: January 1st to April 31st (Forms will be available Feb. 1, 2025)
Employee Assistance Program
The Employee and Family Assistance Program services are provided by Morneau Shepell. It offers employees access to 24/7 crisis support, individual counselling, group therapy, and family services. Telephone assistance is available by calling 1-844-880-9142, more information can be found by following the link.
UHIP Assistance
Based on our Collective Agreement, the employer provides funds to allocate towards the International UHIP Refund Program. Any member that has held a Teaching Assistant position for at least one term in the academic year, who pays UHIP fees, is eligible for UHIP assistance.
Each year the application process will open and close in the spring. The amount allocated to the program shall be divided by the number of eligible applicants, and each eligible applicant shall receive a cheque. The cheque cutting process is not under our control, so expect delays.
Summer Support Program (SSP)
The SSP exists to provide support to members who will not be receiving funding from their program during the summer term.
Members are NOT eligible for this fund if any of the following are met:
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Another source of income over $1000/month during the summer (ie. GTA, GSA, Graduate Fellowship) provided by their program and university
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Over $1000/month net income from WGRS in the summer
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Make over $13,000 during the entire academic year (the equivalent of two GTA contracts).
Eligibility is decided by office staff and the executive committee through consultation with each department and their funding packages for each program. Members will sign this form in agreement that their data is being collected and stored in this manner.
Applications for Summer Support are now closed until Summer of 2025.