Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What benefits are available through Wespath?

Wespath administers a range of benefit plans for UMC clergy and staff, including:

• Retirement plans (Clergy Retirement Security Program – CRSP, and the new Compass plan effective Jan. 1, 2026)
• HealthFlex Exchange (medical, prescription, dental, vision)
• Life and Disability coverage (Comprehensive Protection Plan for clergy, UMLifeOptions for lay employees)
• Retiree Medicare options through Via Benefits

Q2. What is the Compass retirement plan?

The Compass plan begins January 1, 2026, and will replace CRSP for active clergy. It is a modern, defined-contribution, account-based program designed for long-term sustainability and flexibility. Retirees currently receiving benefits will not be affected.

 Church Contributions Include:

• $150/month contribution from the UMC (increasing annually)
• 3% of clergy pensionable compensation contributed by the UMC
• $1/$1 match on clergy contributions up to 4% of pensionable pay

For more information please visit Compass | Wespath Benefits & Investments

Q3. What happens to CRSP?

The Clergy Retirement Security Program (CRSP) will end on December 31, 2025. Clergy who has earned defined benefit (CRSP DB) will retain those benefits.

Q4. How can I manage my benefits?

Log in to Benefits Access, Wespath’s secure online portal, to:

• View retirement balances
• Make investment elections
• Access health and wellness information
• Apply for retirement

Visit: Benefits Access

Q5. How do I apply for retirement?

Wespath provides a step-by-step retirement guide. You can apply online through Benefits Access, and a Wespath Retirement Specialist is available to walk you through the process.
We recommend beginning the retirement process at least 6 months before your effective retirement date.  Wespath phone # 1-800-851-2201

Q6. What resources are available to help with financial planning?

All participants with retirement account balances over $10,000 have access to EY Financial Planning Services at no cost. This includes personal consultations, online tools, and retirement readiness guidance. EY Financial Planning Services #1-800-360-2539

Q7. What happens if I disaffiliate from the UMC?

If a clergy member disaffiliates, Wespath will transfer the value of their pension benefits into their UMPIP account. Funds may remain with Wespath, and standard withdrawal and Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) rules apply. There are no withdrawal fees charged by Wespath.

Q8. What local resources are available through EPAUMC?

In addition to Wespath-administered benefits, EPAUMC manages local support including:

• Necessitous Grants for clergy in need
• Farmers Fund Grants
• Guidance for clergy turning age 65 and transitioning to Medicare

Q9. Who do I contact for help?

• Wespath Customer Support: 1-800-851-2201
• EPAUMC Benefits Team:
  • Lynette Pope, Benefits Manager
  • Ravon Henderson, Benefits Specialist

Email: benefits@epagnj.org
Visit: EPAUMC Benefits Page

Q 10: What kinds of grants are available, and what are the eligibility requirements?

A: Necessitous Grants—for basic needs such as food, shelter, clothing, health care, and other essential needs. Applicants must be:

• A clergy member or local pastor appointed within the Eastern PA Conference and participating in a Wespath-sponsored pension plan.
• Or retired clergy or local pastors still in a Wespath-sponsored pension plan.
• Or spouses, former spouses, surviving former spouses, or dependent children (including adult dependents) of eligible clergy; and demonstrate financial need. (epaumc.org)

Grant process and limitations:

• Emergency grants of up to $500 may be approved by the Necessitous Grants Committee immediately.
• Grants between $500 and $10,000 require Executive Committee approval before full Board ratification.
• Amounts over $10,000 require approval by the full Board.
• Applicants may apply once per calendar year and may receive up to two grants total without additional full-board approval.
• Applicants must provide financial documents, such as receipts and invoices, and maintain confidentiality. (epaumc.org)
• Farmers Fund Grants—designated for health care aids; guidelines and applications are also available via the Board’s website. (epaumc.org)

Q 11: What does the Housing Allowance Resolution cover?

A: The Conference publishes an annual Housing Allowance Resolution, which specifies that clergy pension and disability payments may include a designated portion as a housing allowance. This allows for potential tax benefits. The most recent resolutions presently available are for 2023 and 2024. (epaumc.org) Click on the link for the most recent Housing Allowance Resolution.

Q: Are there any recent (most recent) Board of Benefits resolutions?

Answer:
A: The latest resolutions directly available are the 2023 and 2024 Housing Allowance Resolutions—current and published on the Board’s site. (epaumc.org)

No later resolutions appear available yet for 2025, but you may expect a new housing resolution to be introduced at the upcoming Annual Conference session. This is stated in the previous paragraph.