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Child Care Support

New in 2026, Child Care Support is available for eligible PC(USA) ministers of the Word and Sacrament and commissioned pastors with children ages 0 through 6 years to offset a portion of their child care needs. The initial pilot phase of this grant will provide $500 per child, up to $1,500 per month per family, promoting wholeness for ministers and their families.

The following updates to Child Care Support are effective Jan. 1, 2027:

  • The income cap will increase to the median effective salary ($74,400 for 2027), excluding manse value.
  • Eligibility will extend to ministers of the Word and Sacrament regardless of their employer, including those employed by presbyteries, agencies, or other ministries, who are enrolled in the Medical Plan and/or the Defined Benefit Pension Plan.

Read more about these updates and other actions taken at the fall 2026 Board of Directors meeting.

Supporting ministers with young children

The cost of child care can be a significant financial burden for some PC(USA) ministers and commissioned pastors with dependent children as they are called to serve their congregations and families at the same time.

Offered through the Assistance Program of the Board of Pensions, the new Child Care Support grant offsets some of that cost and reflects our shared commitment to care for one another. More than financial support, this grant is an expression of how the Assistance Program promotes wholeness for ministers and their families.

Applicants may apply for grants to cover child care expenses beginning April 1, 2026.

Amount

The initial pilot phase of this grant will provide $500 per month per child and up to $1,500 per month per family (for three qualifying children).

Eligibility

To qualify, you must be:

  • a PC(USA) minister of the Word and Sacrament or a commissioned pastor
  • employed by a PC(USA) congregation and sanctioned by the presbytery with an effective salary at or below 80% of the median effective salary ($56,880 or less for 2026, excluding manse value)
  • employed at least 20 hours a week
  • enrolled in the Medical Plan and/or Defined Benefit Pension Plan

Qualifying children are those ages 0 through 6 years. Dependent children do not need to be enrolled in the Medical Plan but must meet IRS rules for dependents.

Child care may be provided by a caregiver who resides at the same address as the applicant, as long as the caregiver is not the child’s parent or guardian.

How to apply

Need help?

If you have questions or need assistance completing or submitting an application, call the Board of Pensions at 800-PRESPLAN (800-773-7752) (TTY: 711).

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