Overview
The Tuition Reimbursement Program provides City employees with funds for professional development. Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) between unions and the City define the rules for tuition reimbursement. Employees should refer to their MOU for a comprehensive list of eligible expenses.
Travel Expenses
Chapter 12X prohibits City-funded travel to states with anti-LGBTQ laws. Employees cannot use tuition reimbursement for travel expenses to the following states: Alabama, Kansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, and Texas. Travel expenses include:
The list of states is subject to change. For an updated list of applicable states, please refer to the City Administrator’s website at http://sfgsa.org/chapter-12x-anti-lgbt-state-ban-list.
How it Works

Gather Supporting Documents
- Complete the appropriate Pre-Approval Request Form for your union. Forms are linked in the section below “Information and Forms by Union.”
- Additional expense justification documents may include: registration brochures, screen shots, membership invoice, travel quote, etc.

Request Pre-Approval Online
Login to the DHR Online Tuition Reimbursement System to request pre-approval for your expenses. Enter Company ID “sfgov”.
- If you are a new user, please contact your department representative to get an account.

Receive Approval
- DHR will determine if the expense is eligible according to your MOU. The DHR Tuition Reimbursement System will send an approval email.
- MEA and UAPD will determine expense eligibility for employees represented by their unions.

Gather Expense Documentation
Supporting documents may include:
- DHR authorization
- Itemized receipt from the vendor with zero balance to demonstrate what was purchased.
- Proof of payment documentation to demonstrate you incurred an expense.
- Proof of successful completion (for courses and examinations) or proof of attendance for conferences.

Submit Expense Report
Login to SF Employee Portal and submit an Expense Report under Employee Links. Attach expense documentation and the DHR authorization letter/notes .

Receive Direct Deposit
Direct deposit payments are made every Tuesday.
FY2018/2019 Expense Reports
Please follow the instructions listed in your pre-approval request approval and double check the following actions are taken:
- The DHR Pre-Approval Request ID is listed in the Report Description Field (for example, 1-12345). If the ID is not listed, your request will be sent back to your attention;
- Enter your Department in the reference field (for example, ZSFG);
- Select “Check” for payment type;
- Copy all the account codes listed on your approval screen; and
- Attach all necessary documents, such as: DHR approval, an itemized receipt, proof of payment and proof of successful completion (if applicable).
All FY2018/2019 expense reports must be entered on or before June 30, 2019. DHR encourages all employees to submit the expense report as soon as proof of successful completion is available.
Information & Forms by Union
General Employees
Employees represented by the unions listed below must complete the General Tuition Reimbursement Form.
Employees should refer to their MOU for a comprehensive list of eligible expenses.
Employee Organizations:
Automotive Machinists, Local 1414Building Inspectors’ Association (Joint Craft)
Carpenters, Local 22 (Joint Craft)
Deputy Sheriffs’ Association
Electrical Workers, Local 6
Firefighters Local 798-Unit 1
Firefighters Local 798-Unit 2
H-1 Rescue Paramedic-Local 1021
Laborers, Local 261
Plumbers, Local 38
Police Officers’ Association
Probation Officers Association
SEIU, Local 1021
Stationary Engineers, Local 39
Sheet Metal Workers, L 104 (Joint Crafts)
Teamsters, Local 853 (Joint Crafts)
Teamsters, Local 856
TWU Local 200 (SEAM)
TWU 250A (7410/9132)
TWU Local 250-A-Mult Unit
Unrepresented-Misc
Unrepresented–Mgt
Joint Craft Unions:
Bricklayers, Local 3Carpet, Linoleum & Soft Tile Workers, Local 12
Glaziers, Local 718
Hod Carriers, Local 36
IATSE, Local 6 Cement Masons, Local 580
Iron Workers, Local 377
Pile Drivers, Local 34
Plasterers, Local 66
Roofers, Local 40
MEA
IFPTE Local 21
Employees represented by IFPTE Local 21 must complete the IFPTE Local 21 Employee Development Form linked below
Employees should refer to their MOU for a comprehensive list of eligible expenses.
SEIU Nurses
Employees represented by SEIU Nurses must complete the SEIU Nurses Pre-Approval Request Form linked below
Employees should refer to their MOU for a comprehensive list of eligible expenses.
Teamsters Local 856 Supervising Nurses
Employee represented by Teamsters Local 856 Supervising Nurses must complete the Supervising Nurses Employee Development Form linked below
Employees should refer to their MOU for a comprehensive list of eligible expenses.
UAPD
Employees represented by UAPD do not need to fill out the General Tuition Reimbursement Form word document. Please go directly to step two and request pre-approval online.
Employees should refer to their MOU for a comprehensive list of eligible expenses.
ZSFG Interns & Residents
ZSFG Interns & Residents use a difference tuition reimbursement process. Click HERE to go the page with information on ZSFG Interns & Residents.