Board of Pensions Expands Eligibility and Grant Amounts for PC(USA) Ministers and Members

PHILADELPHIA — The Board of Pensions of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is broadening eligibility for its Assistance Program and increasing grant amounts, effective Jan. 1, 2027, citing growing need and rising costs. The agency also said it will increase subsidies for its Shared Ministry Program as it reinforces its commitment to congregations that are creatively responding to their circumstances in order to call full-time pastoral leadership.

Under the Child Care Support grant, the salary cap for eligibility will rise to the median effective salary, which is $74,400 for 2027, excluding manse value. The grant will also become available to ministers employed by presbyteries, agencies and other ministries who meet eligibility criteria. The grant was first introduced as a pilot in April 2026 to support ministers and commissioned pastors serving congregations with young children.

Support for non-minister members will expand through extended eligibility for the Employee Vocation Program. Employees who have been enrolled in medical coverage through the Board of Pensions for at least six months and who meet other program criteria will now be eligible. Previously, the program was limited to employees of PC(USA)-affiliated organizations. The annual effective salary cap for eligibility will rise to $93,000, and the program will be capped at 125 participants for 2027. The source notes that ministers have access to education debt assistance through Minister Educational Debt Assistance.

Changes to Transition-to-College Assistance apply to any member, regardless of ordination. Grant amounts will increase to $5,000 per dependent, or $7,500 if the dependent attends a PC(USA) institution, up from $2,000 and $3,000. The annual household adjusted gross income requirement will rise from $142,200 to $148,800. The program is being renamed Dependent Education Grants to better reflect its eligibility. Dependents up to age 26 may qualify if enrolled at least part time at a college, university, community college, or technical or trade school. Retroactive funds will not be awarded to those who have already received the grant in previous years.

The Shared Ministry Program, now in its second year, provides five years of dues subsidies so that congregations can cover pastoral leaders through the Benefits Plan of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). In 2027, the annual maximum subsidies for the first three years will rise to $12,000 for enrollment in the Congregational Pastors Package and $6,000 for enrollment in the Covenant Package.

The Board of Pensions said the increased support and expanded eligibility represent its ongoing commitment to those who serve the Church. The agency described its work as supporting wholeness in the PC(USA) community and care for Benefits Plan members. Questions may be directed to the Board of Pensions contact address listed in the original release.

Source: Read the original report