New dues subsidies and support for 2027
For PC(USA) congregations and employers
As we look ahead to 2027, we do so with gratitude for all who faithfully serve the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). The Benefits Plan of the PC(USA) reflects our shared commitment to nurturing wholeness and sustaining ministries.
Review the details of these new options as you consider benefits decision-making for 2027.
If you are a PC(USA)-affiliated employer, read about 2027 benefits and features for your employees.
Support for congregations, ministers, and families
To help congregations care for their pastoral leaders, and to promote wholeness for ministers and their families, the 2027 Benefits Plan introduces expanded support through the Congregational Pastors Package and Transitional Pastor’s Participation.
An additional dues subsidy for the Congregational Pastors Package
For pastoral leaders enrolled in the Congregational Pastors Package, a new subsidy will help alleviate the cost of dependent child medical coverage, effective Jan. 1, 2027. The subsidy will cover 50% of the national, community-rated medical coverage cost of dependent children, and will reduce the flat rates for both the 2027 Child(ren) and Family coverage levels.
Using the 2026 rates as an example, the reductions in the coverage levels would be as follows:
| Coverage level | Monthly dues example* |
|---|---|
| Child(ren) | $829.00 - $414.50 (50% subsidy for dependent children) $414.50 |
| Family | $1,850.00 - $414.50 (50% subsidy for dependent children) $1,435.50 |
*This is only an example, using 2026 dues. Dependent dues for 2027 will be released in July.
Transitional Pastor’s Participation extended
Transitional Pastor’s Participation, originally scheduled to sunset at the end of 2027, has been extended through 2029. This extension gives congregations and ministers already enrolled in this package two more years to transition to the Congregational Pastors Package.
The Board of Pensions continues to monitor medical cost trends and expects to release the 2027 dues for the Congregational Pastors Package and Transitional Pastor’s Participation in July.
New Child Care Support grant
The cost of child care can be a significant financial burden for some PC(USA) ministers and commissioned pastors with young children as they are called to serve their congregations and care for their families at the same time. Effective April 1, the new Child Care Support grant will be available through the Assistance Program to offset a portion of their child care needs for children ages 0-6 years. The initial pilot phase of this grant will provide $500 per month per child and up to $1,500 per month per family. This grant supports ministers of the Word and Sacrament and commissioned pastors employed by PC(USA) congregations whose effective salary is $56,880 or less and who meet other eligibility requirements. More than financial support, this grant is one way the Board promotes wholeness for ministers and their families.
Additional Medical Plan options coming in 2027
Beginning Jan. 1, 2027, the Board of Pensions will offer three additional Medical Plan options for members or non-installed ministers who are not enrolled in the Congregational Pastors Package or Transitional Pastor’s Participation. The three additional options include a second PPO, EPO, and HDHP and will have the same features and coverage rules as the existing options with different out-of-pocket costs.
Ministers and dependents enrolled in the Congregational Pastors Package or Transitional Pastor’s Participation will continue to be offered the current PPO option.
More details will be available in the summer.
Questions about these benefits?
Employer Services representatives are available to serve you at 800-PRESPLAN (800-773-7752) (TTY: 711)
PC(USA) congregations are encouraged to reach out to their Church Consultant to help determine which dues package is right for their situation, understand available benefits for staff and how to structure them, and guide faithful benefits decision-making.