Pension

News and Updates

Relief Effort In Response to COVID-19 Crisis

The Indiana Conference strives to find ways to support our churches in this time of crisis. We understand that many of our churches are enduring a financial strain in this new era of virtual ministry. To support our churches, the Indiana Conference, in collaboration with Wespath, has declared a 90-day premium holiday for the Comprehensive Protection Plan (CPP).

As allowed by the plan, Wespath’s Board voted (and the Indiana Conference approved) the reduction of CPP premiums to “zero” – a premium holiday – for May, June and July 2020. While CPP premiums alone do not fully pay for claims, the historical experience of the plan means it is sufficiently funded to afford the temporary reduced premiums.

Please keep in mind that CPP premiums are collected on the 25th of each month for the current month. Therefore, the church’s recent April 25th ACH for CPP was for April’s premium. The holiday will begin with May, thus, the church’s ACH amount will be reduced at the end of May, June, and July 2020. The CPP premium equals 3% for all clergy appointed to a ¾ or full-time appointment. Statements will be sent reflecting the reductions appropriately.

We pray that this will provide a short-term financial relief to our churches, while not jeopardizing the financial soundness of clergy benefits. Should you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to the Conference office at (317) 924-1321.

Tax Withholding Information

The following information is being provided to explain how to modify your federal or state withholding elections for benefit payments you are receiving from Wespath-Administered Plans.

Change your Withholding Elections Online

The Indiana Conference values the future financial security and well-being of its members. To make saving for retirement easier, Indiana Conference partners with Wespath Benefits and Investments (formerly the General Board of Pensions and Health Benefits) which administers the pension plans for United Methodist clergy and lay staff. Clergy Retirement Security Program (CRSP) for Clergy and United Methodist Personal Investment Plan (UMPIP) for clergy and lay employees. Wespath also serves as partner in managing health, wellness, and insurance options for our members.

For retirement, savings and investment resources provided by the General Board or to access your account information, please visit www.wespath.org.

Forms

Contribution Election 2022

Housing Resolution for Retirees 2020

Central Conference Pension Initiative

The Central Conference Pension Initiative (CCPI) is a long-term solution that provides retirement financial security for dedicated church leaders and surviving spouses who would otherwise have little or nothing. Your charitable gifts will help establish and fund pension programs in conferences where support is greatly needed.

Looking Ahead

Even though much has been accomplished, the CCPC is aware of the significant amount of work yet to be done. There are 71 annual and provisional annual conferences in 42 countries outside the United States. The complexities of local laws, cultures, history and traditions in these diverse areas bring a wide variety of challenges. Pilot projects are now under way in Liberia and Mozambique. The CCPC continues to explore ways to expand assistance to even more conferences.

The task before us is daunting. Much work needs to be done to assure that the Church can continue to provide for those who serve when their careers in ministry end. This is a connectional challenge that will be accomplished by giving gifts of time, monetary contributions and spiritual strength in support of those who serve the central conferences. Your prayers and gifts are needed.