Q. I am a new member and did not get a card. What do I do?

A. Within approximately 30 days of becoming a member, your local will provide AFT with your member information. Once your local remits this update, you should receive a membership card within 6-8 weeks. If after that time you have not received your card, please contact AFT Membership toll free at 888/238-5646.

Q. How can I get a replacement card (non-merged states only)?

A. To request a replacement card, go to http://www.aft.org/members and select "Request a replacement card" from the "Get Help" menu on the right side of the page. Fill in the information requested. Once completed, click "submit" at the bottom of the form and your request will be forwarded to AFT Membership for processing. You do not need to know your member number to request a card. Once your information is validated, your new card should arrive within 6-8 weeks. Be sure to include a valid phone number and e-mail address where you may be reached in case we have any questions or need additional information.

Q. I am from an AFT/NEA merged state. How do I get a replacement card?

A. If you are from the AFT/NEA merged state of Florida, Minnesota, Montana or New York, you must contact your state federation directly to request a replacement card or for questions relating to your state benefits. National benefits may be accessed by visiting http://www.aft.org/members or by calling AFT+ Member Benefits toll free at 800/238-1133, ext. 8643.

Q. What benefits do I get with my card?

A. All AFT members have exclusive access to AFT+ Member Benefits programs, which include voluntary insurance plans, credit card programs and mortgage services, as well as hotel, car rental and entertainment offerings. New in 2008: the "AFT Advantage," which gives members online discounts and privileges at a wide array of retailers, restaurants and local merchants.

In addition, members who activate their card will be entered into a drawing for one of 250 $100 prizes.

Q. How will winners of the $100 prize be chosen?

A. 250 winners will be randomly selected from the pool of AFT members who have logged on to http://www.aft.org/members and established a personal member access account. Winners will be notified individually and names may be posted on the secure members-only Web site and included in AFT publications.

Q. How will I know if I'm a winner of a $100 prize?

A. AFT will contact you directly. Your name may also be posted on the secure AFT members-only Web site and included in AFT publications.

Q. Do I need an e-mail address to activate my card?

A. Yes. You must use a unique e-mail address as your username when activating your card. If you do not have an e-mail address, you can create a free e-mail account at yahoo, gmail or hotmail.

Q. My name is incorrect on my membership card. How do I update this information?

A. If your name is spelled incorrectly or your last name has changed from the name printed on your card, your card is still valid up to the expiration date. However, to report a name change, please contact AFT by email at membership@aft.org or call toll free 888/238-5646 with your correct information.

If you would like a replacement card with your corrected information, please include this information in your request. It is important that you include a valid phone number and e-mail address where you can be reached in case we need additional information. Once your information is validated, you should receive your new card within 6-8 weeks. Also contact your local union office with a name change update.

Q. How do I report my address has changed?

A. If your address has changed, log in using your member ID (if first-time user) or your personal account information. Select "my account" from the menu. Provide us with your updated information. Also be sure to contact your local union office with your new information.

Q. What if I need my member number? Can I get this information over the phone?

A. No. For privacy reasons, we cannot give this information over the phone. Please contact your local office for assistance regarding that information.

Q. How often are membership cards renewed?

A. Your AFT membership card will be renewed in October 2009; then every three years thereafter.

Q. Why have I received two membership cards?

A. You may have received two membership cards because you are a member of more than one AFT local. If this is incorrect, please contact the local union offices of the cards you have received.