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Minister Debt Relief

Minister Debt Relief helps ministers pay down debt — and achieve greater financial well-being — through financial planning and a grant of up to $10,000. This program will provide up to 150 grants per year.

Supporting ministers' financial well-being

For Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) ministers, personal matters, such as financial planning, often take a back seat to serving their congregations. As a result, many ministers struggle with financial debt. With these concerns weighing on them, they cannot bring their best gifts to ministry.

The more financially responsible we are, the greater our well-being. To help alleviate financial burden and support the wholeness of PC(USA) ministers, the Board of Pensions provides Minister Debt Relief.

Amount

A one-time grant of up to $10,000 is available.

Note: A minister cannot receive more than $25,000 in combined awards from Minister Educational Debt Assistance and Minister Debt Relief if awarded a grant after Jan. 1, 2022.

Eligibility

To qualify, you must:

  • be enrolled in Pastor's Participation or Minister's Choice [as of Jan. 1, 2025, be a PC(USA) minister enrolled in the Medical Plan and/or the Defined Benefit Pension Plan]
  • have an effective salary below $80,000, excluding manse value
  • have a total household adjusted gross income of less than $134,200 in 2024 (less than $140,000 for 2025)
  • have net assets below $125,000 (excluding primary residence and car)
  • have completed the Personal Financial Planning Series and Terms of Call Series online education learning paths, available through Board University via Benefits Connect

Once accepted into the program, you will be connected with Ernst & Young Employee Financial Services for individual debt-specific financial planning, at no cost to you.

Ministers who received a Healthy Pastors, Healthy Congregations award between 2017–2021 may apply for an additional $5,000 through a modified Minister Debt Relief grant. Educational modules and coaching through Ernst & Young is not required. The coaching is available for past recipients.

How to apply

phone receiver

Need help?

Call the Board of Pensions at 800-PRESPLAN (800-773-7752) (TTY: 711).

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