We know the challenges and often sacrifices that are made while serving in ministry, so the United Church Board for Ministerial Assistance (UCBMA), the charitable arm of the Pension Boards, looks to relieve worries and financial demands. In doing this, we ensure that people receive the care of the Church in their time of need.

Ministerial Assistance Monthly Grants are available to retirees and persons with long term disability to meet basic living expenses.

Eligibility
Eligible persons are at least 65 years of age and one of the following:

• Authorized Ministers with current UCC Standing
  
• Lay Employees of a UCC congregation, Association, Conference, or National Setting (aka Qualified Church Controlled Organization), with a minimum of 10 years of service
  
• Authorized Ministers or Lay Employees receiving Long-Term Disability benefits through the UCC Life Insurance and Disability Income (LIDI) Benefit Plan (age requirement is waived for this group)
• Surviving spouses/partners of the above
  

In general, these financial requirements must be met:

• Total household income below $42,250

Values listed are effective as of January 1st, 2024. It may be expected but there is no guarantee that the established income levels would increase every year based on market inflation.

Note: Individuals who are Medicaid recipients or Medicaid eligible do not qualify. This includes persons living in a skilled nursing facility or nursing home that require the grant be reported as income. Once reported, state/federal benefits are typically reduced in relation to the amount received, negating any benefit of the grant.

Application and Renewal Process
Individuals who wish to be considered for a MA Monthly Grant must submit an application and their most recent 1040 Income Tax Form. Pension Boards’ staff will review the documents for all combinations of assistance from Pension Supplementation, Health Benefits Supplementation, MA Monthly Grants and Christmas “Thank You” Check. Notification letters are sent once the process is complete.

All MA Monthly Grant recipients must complete a renewal application annually. Eligibility for monthly grants is reviewed annually and is based on the total dollars available, as well as the number of eligible people applying at any given time. There is no guarantee that grants will be available beyond the current calendar year.

Please use the link below to navigate to our Grant Directory where you will find the link to the Ministerial Assistance Application.
Ministerial Assistance Grant Directory

If you are unable to complete our online application and need additional assistance or require a printable application, please reach out to us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Funding
The source of funding is the Ministerial Assistance Fund.