Board of Pensions strengthens Assistance Program with enhanced grants and broader reach
The Board of Pensions of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has announced enhancements to several Assistance Program grants, effective Jan. 1, 2026: Adoption Assistance, which helps with adoption-related expenses; Housing Supplements, which support eligible retirees and surviving spouses with the cost of remaining in their homes or moving to retirement/continuing care facilities; and Minister Debt Relief, which assists ministers in paying down debt and achieving financial well-being.
Adoption Assistance grants will increase from $6,500 to $9,000, and adjusted gross income (AGI) will be excluded from eligibility for Minister Debt Relief.
Significant adjustments will be made to the Housing Supplements program. Most notably, memory care facilities have been added to the list of qualified living situations.
Additionally, Housing Supplements will increase as follows:
- homes or apartments — monthly supplement maximum increases from $1,300 to $1,600
- independent living in retirement communities — monthly supplement maximum increases from $1,800 to $3,000
- assisted living in retirement communities — monthly supplement maximum increases from $4,400 per individual to $4,800 per individual
- custodial care at home — monthly supplement maximum increases from $4,400 per individual to $4,800 per individual
The Assistance Program has a legacy of supporting PC(USA) church workers by addressing unmet financial needs. It now offers 11 distinct grants to active and retired members, surviving spouses, and members employed by PC(USA)-affiliated organizations and Korean Presbyterian Church Abroad congregations.
In 2024, the Assistance Program awarded 2,722 grants totaling $9.6 million. Distributions from the Board of Pensions’ Core Assistance and Endowment Funds will provide 2026 revenue for the program, along with the Christmas Joy Offering and other gifts. The Assistance Program receives no support from employer dues.
Those interested in grants through the Assistance Program can visit the Board of Pensions’ website to learn more about eligibility requirements.
