Special Needs Retirement Fund

"So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all, and especially for those of the family of faith." - Galatians 6:10

Our Retired Servants Needs Your Help
Did you know our church has some retired workers who live on less than $1,000 a month? This makes it difficult for them to pay for even the most basic of expenses such as food and housing.

The ELCA Special Needs Retirement Fund provides additional income to retired pastors, rostered laypersons and surviving spouses whose salaries during working years were so low that they have inadequate income to meet their daily needs.

In order to be eligible for the fund, a pastor (or rostered lay person) must have been enrolled in the pension plan at the time of retirement. Lay Employees and surviving spouses of members who had a least ten (10) years of services in the ELCA or predecessor bodies and who participated in a pension plan at the time of retirement are also eligible.

Why the Need Exists
While pensions are something most people may take for granted, pensions plans are a relatively recent development. Some individuals were halfway through their years of service before they had pension plan membership. In addition, some pastors spent all or most of their years receiving low salaries. As a result of those salaries, they had low contributions to their pension plans. Many lay employees currently receive low pensions and have few assets due to years of service in low-salaried positions. For some, the financial need is critical.

Meeting the Need
In 1993, the ELCA created the Special Needs Retirement Fund to provide additional income to those in need. The Special Needs Retirement Fund at the ELCA Foundation is co-administered by the ELCA Board of Pensions and the ELCA Foundation. The Fund exists through support from ELCA churchwide offices, the ELCA Board of Pensions and generous donations from individuals and congregations. As a result of this generosity, the fund is already providing financial assistance to some of our retired church workers. However, additional gifts are urgently needed to address both immediate and future needs.

For More Information
Contact your Regional Gift Planner or the ELCA Foundation at 1-800-638-3522 Ext. 2970. If you currently receive an ELCA pension you can help via an automatic deduction; for more information, please call the ELCA Board of Pensions at 1-800-352-2876 or visit www.elcabop.org.

The examples and information on this page are for illustrative and educational purposes only and should not be considered tax or legal advice. Please consult with your tax or legal advisor before proceeding with your estate plan.