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

A: Within approximately 30 days of when you became a member, your local will have provided the AFT with your member information. Once your local has sent this information to the AFT, you should receive a membership card within four to six weeks. If, after that time, you have not received your card, please contact AFT Membership at 888/238-5646.

Q: I am a current AFT member but have not received a card. How can I request one?

A: To request a card, use the "Request Replacement Card" link located on the right-hand side of the members-only Web page. It is important that all information requested be completed. Incomplete address or contact information may delay the processing of your request. You do not need to complete the member number field in order to request a card, but your number is helpful if you know it. Allow four to six weeks for receipt of your card.

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: Members can participate in the AFT Advantage, a program that gives members online discounts and privileges at a wide array of retailers, restaurants and local merchants.

Q: I am an AFT member in either New York, Florida, Minnesota or Montana . How do I get a replacement card?

A: If you are an AFT member from a state listed above, you will not receive a national AFT membership card. Instead, you must contact your state federation directly to request a replacement card. The number on your state-issued card is also your AFT member number. Use this number to access the AFT members-only Web site at www.aft.org/members and set up your member account access.

Q: I am a member of the Oregon School Employees Association (OSEA), Local 6732. How do I get a replacement card?

A: Members of OSEA will not receive an AFT national membership card. Instead, OSEA members should contact the OSEA office at 503/588-0121 for a replacement card or for questions regarding the OSEA membership card. The number on the OSEA-issued card is also your AFT member number. Insert the letters "OSEA" before the number in order to activate and access your account on the AFT Web site.

Q: I am a member of Public Employees Federation (PEF), Local 4053, in New York. How do I get an AFT membership card?

A: Members of PEF will not receive an AFT national membership card. To gain online access to AFT + member benefits and AFT Advantage, please call 888/AFT-JOIN (888/238-5646).

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. To report a name change to us, please use the "Request Replacement Card" link located on the right-hand side of the members-only Web page, and fill in the information requested. Once completed, click submit at the bottom of the form and your request will be transmitted to AFT Membership. It is important that you include a valid phone number and e-mail address, so we can reach you if we need additional information. If you also would like a replacement card that has your new information, check the appropriate box on the form. Once your information is validated, you should receive your new card within four to six weeks. It is important that you also contact your local union office with a name change update.

Q: How do I report that my address has changed?

A: If your address has changed, log on to www.aft.org/members using your member ID, if you are a first-time user, or your personal account information, if your online account already has been set up. Select "my account" from the menu and 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? How can I get it?

A: You may contact your local directly for this information or contact AFT Membership by using the link provided on the "Get Help" menu of the members-only Web page.

Q: How often are membership cards renewed?

A: Your AFT membership card will be renewed in October 2009, and 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.