Child Care Support

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)
• 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

• Complete the Child Care Support Assistance Application.
• Email the application and required documentation to memberservices@pensions.org for review and decision.