Death benefits

These benefits provide income protection to beneficiaries and eligible survivors. Additionally, a living needs benefit provides financial support to terminally ill members.

Coverage details

Death benefits include the following:

• Salary continuation benefit is paid to a member’s designated beneficiaries in equal monthly installments for 12 months after the member’s death.
  
• Lump-sum death benefit is paid to a member’s eligible survivors or estate after the member’s death. The amount of the benefit is based on several factors, including the member’s age and effective salary at the time of death.
• Children’s education benefit is paid to eligible children under the age of 25 for up to a total of four years of study beyond high school after a member’s death.
• Living needs benefit provides financial support to terminally ill members when they may need it most. Eligible members who are certified by their physicians as terminally ill with a life expectancy of 24 months or less may request prepayment of a portion of their death benefits.

Read more details about using these benefits.

Eligibility

Employees enrolled in the Death and Disability Plan are eligible for death benefits. You can provide the Death and Disability Plan to employees regularly scheduled to work at least 20 hours per week. The plan is included in the Covenant Package, the Congregational Pastors Package, and Transitional Pastor’s Participation.

Cost

The Death and Disability Plan is paid 100% by the employer. Dues for this coverage are 1% of effective salary if provided with Defined Benefit Pension Plan enrollment, or 2.5% of effective salary if provided without the Defined Benefit Pension Plan.

Questions about death benefits?

Employers who currently offer benefits through the Board of Pensions can call 800-PRESPLAN (800-773-7752) (TTY: 711) to speak with an Employer Services representative. They can answer questions about benefits and offer support on administering benefits through Benefits Connect.

PC(USA) employers and congregations are encouraged to reach out to their Church Consultant to help determine which dues package is right for their situation, understand available benefits for staff and how to structure them, and guide faithful benefits decision‑making.