Pension Benefits

The below link is for you to schedule a confidential 30-minute one-on-one consultation with a member of the Wespath Benefit Education team.  They are here to help you understand your pension projections and answer your specific questions.

One-On-One Consultations with a Wespath Benefits Educator

Planning for the future....or looking to retire?

View the videos below for resources on retirement.

Clergy Retirement Planning Session

 

Compass (replaces Clergy Retirement Security Program or CRSP effective January 1, 2026)

Compass is an account-based defined contribution retirement plan for eligible clergy of The United Methodist Church. Designed to help clergy optimize their retirement income while retaining the ability to leave their account balances to their beneficiaries. Compass reflects a shared responsibility between clergy and the UMC. Clergy accumulate an account balance during their active ministry and have multiple options for how they will receive their income during retirement.

Compass has three components, based on the clergy’s benefit eligibility and enrollment:

• Fixed Dollar Amount - $150.00/month for full-time clergy (less than full-time, if eligible, will be calculated accordingly)
• 3% of total compensation* (church premium)
• 4% of total compensation (church match)

*Total compensation is base salary plus either the housing allowance or parsonage value equal to 35% of base salary, not to be less than $10,000.

 For more information about Compass, please visit the Wespath website. 

Downloadable documents:

• Compass At-A-Glance
• Compass FAQ
• Compass Contribution Election form
• Compass Summary Plan Description

Welfare Benefits

Comprehensive Protection Plan (CPP)

The Comprehensive Protection Plan (CPP) provides welfare benefits including disability, death and survivor benefits for clergy and their family. CPP benefit is a benefit that is paid by the church for the clergy.

Disability Benefit

• There is no waiting period for any eligible CPP participants.
• If approved for CPP Medical leave, the benefit is equal to 70% of total compensation at the time of disability, less any Social Security benefits.
• The Plan (CPP) will make contributions to your CRSP-DC pension account while disabled.

Death Benefit

• $50,000 for active clergy, 20% of DAC for spouses of active clergy

» See CPP Summary Plan Description and CPP – 2025 Benefits Amount for more information.

UM Life Options

• Eligibility:  full, provisional, associate members and clergy of other Methodist denominations appointed 25% or 50%.

» See UMLife options document for more information 

Additional Welfare Benefits

Voluntary Transition Program

The Voluntary Transition Program was developed to provide transitional benefits to facilitate a grace-filled exit from ministry. This program must be approved by the Bishop, District Superintendents, and Board of Ordained Ministry Conference Relations Committee.

To be eligible for this program a clergy must:

• Be a clergy in full connection for a minimum of five years, enrolled in CPP, and in good standing.
• Surrender credentials.

Grief Support Services

Participants enrolled in CPP and their dependents have access to free and confidential short-term counseling services. These services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by calling the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) at 866-881-6800.

Services include:

• Depression, anxiety, and stress
• Financial and legal issues
• Funeral Arrangements