Minister Educational Debt Assistance

Minister Educational Debt Assistance makes it easier for ministers to accept a wide range of positions and wholly commit their best gifts to ministry.​

Who's eligible

To qualify, you must

• be a Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) minister enrolled in Pastor's Participation in the Benefits Plan;
• have completed a CREDO conference or the Healthy Pastors, Healthy Congregations program*;
• have an effective salary below $80,000 and a total household adjusted gross income** of less than twice the national median for pastors (currently $118,200) as reported on the most recent income tax return;
• meet criteria established by the Board to ensure the need-based nature of the program;
• meet a student loan debt coaching requirement; and
• repay your documented, interest-bearing educational debt by a specified monthly amount based on your effective salary and the amount of debt (see Assistance recipient educational debt repayment commitment chart).

*If the minister also receives a grant through Healthy Pastors, Healthy Congregations, the combined grants may not exceed $25,000. Participation in the two debt relief programs may not be concurrent.

**Adjusted gross income is the total income you and your spouse report on federal tax form 1040 that's subject to income tax. It may include earnings from your and your spouse's job, self-employment, alimony income, and interest from a bank account — minus specific deductions, such as housing allowance, or adjustments, you're eligible to take.

Amount

$5,000 per year, for up to five years. Total awards may not exceed $25,000 over five years.

The funds available and number of grants awarded each year are limited. Awards are at the discretion of the Board of Pensions. The Board considers your financial means, the nature and amount of your debt, and other factors, as appropriate.

Participant contribution and coaching

The Board's contribution of $5,000 a year for five years or until your debt is eliminated, whichever comes first, is contingent upon your paying your loan servicer a specified amount monthly — and your receiving student loan debt coaching from PeopleJoy, a financial wellness/educational debt reduction firm with which the Board has partnered.

The amount you must commit to pay is based on your effective salary and the amount of your educational debt, as shown below: 

Participant contributions will be verified.

How to apply

• Complete the Minister Educational Debt Assistance Application.
• Submit the application and required documentation to the Board of Pensions for review and decision.