Eligible Compass participants can now access a new Qualified Student Loan Provision (QSLP) self-certification webpage in Benefits Access, where they can enter and certify qualified student loan payments that may count toward receiving Compass matching contributions, subject to plan provisions and eligibility requirements.

The Compass QSLP may be especially meaningful for clergy who are focused on repaying student loan debt and not contributing enough to receive the full Compass match. This means that if you’re paying off student loans, you can still earn the full 4% match on contributions in Compass. If you are not contributing the full 4% of your plan compensation, your qualifying student loan payments can “count” like retirement contributions toward the match – up to 4% of your plan compensation.

Please note: This provision is for EPA & GNJ eligible clergy 50% & above appointed who are participating in Compass and not contributing or contributing less than 4%.

Clergy are responsible for entering and certifying eligible payments through Benefits Access and should retain supporting documentation. Payments made during a calendar year must be certified by January 31 of the following year; therefore, qualified student loan payments made in 2026 must be certified (entered into Benefits Access) by January 31, 2027.