The challenges and often sacrifices that are made while serving in ministry can take a toll on one’s personal and professional life. In providing financial support, the United Church Board for Ministerial Assistance (UCBMA), the charitable arm of the Pension Boards, seeks to relieve worries and financial demands so that greater wellness and wholeness in life and ministry is experienced. This is sacred work because it ensures that those who serve the Church receive the care of the Church in their time of need.
Health Benefits Supplementation aids retirees in paying their premiums for the UCC Medicare Advantage Plan with Rx.
Eligibility
Eligible persons are at least 65 years of age and one of the following:
- Authorized Ministers with current UCC Standing
- Lay Employees of a UCC congregation, Association, Conference, or National Setting (aka Qualified Church Controlled Organization), with a minimum of 10 years of service
- Surviving spouses/partners of the above
These requirements must also be met:
- Currently taking part in the Pension Boards’ UCC Medicare Advantage Plan with Rx
- Total household Income is below $45,500 for retired clergy or lay employee and Total household Income for a surviving spouse/partner is $35,600.
Values listed are effective as of January 1st, 2025. It may be expected but there is no guarantee that the established income levels would increase every year based on market inflation.
Note: Individuals who are Medicaid recipients or Medicaid eligible do not qualify. This includes persons living in a skilled nursing facility or nursing home that require the grant be reported as income. Once reported, state/federal benefits are typically reduced in relation to the amount received, negating any benefit of the grant.
Application Process
Individuals who wish to be considered for Health Benefits Supplementation must submit an application and their most recent 1040 Income Tax Form. Pension Boards’ staff will review the documents for all combinations of assistance from Pension Supplementation, Health Benefits Supplementation, MA Monthly Grants and Christmas “Thank You” Check. Notification letters are sent once the process is complete, the process typically takes 4-6 weeks.
All Health Benefits Supplementation recipients must complete a renewal application annually. Eligibility for monthly grants is reviewed annually and is based on the total dollars available, as well as the number of eligible people applying at any given time. There is no guarantee that grants will be available beyond the current calendar year.
Please use the link below to navigate to our Grant Directory where you will find the link to the Ministerial Assistance Application.
Ministerial Assistance Grant Directory
If you are unable to complete an online application or need additional assistance, please reach out to [email protected].
Funding
The source of these gifts is Our Church’s Wider Mission (OCWM), and the Christmas Fund Offering.