Eligibility
Retired Employees
You may be eligible to receive monthly income from the Special Needs Retirement Fund if you’re a retired pastor, rostered layperson, or lay employee and you meet all the following criteria:
- You’ve reached full Social Security retirement age (the age at which you're first eligible to receive full, unreduced Social Security retirement benefits).
- You retired with at least seven years of ELCA or predecessor church retirement plan participation (unless participation was prevented due to disability).
- You were sponsored in the ELCA or predecessor church retirement plan on the date of your retirement.
- Your total income from all sources is less than:
- $2,475 a month if you are single
- $3,338 a month if you are married
- The value of all your assets is less than $250,000 (of which no more than $75,000 may be cash or investments).
In addition, if you are eligible and enrolled in the ELCA Health Plan, the Fund will pay your ELCA health contributions.
Surviving Spouses
As the surviving spouse or ESGP of a retired churchworker, you may be
eligible to receive income from the Special Needs Retirement Fund if
your spouse or ESGP met the criteria described above, and if you meet the income
and asset criteria. If your spouse’s or ESGP's retirement was prevented by death or
disability, you may still be eligible for these benefits. For information,
contact us.
In addition, if you are eligible and enrolled in the ELCA Health Plan, the Fund will pay your ELCA health contributions.
Note: If you live in a nursing home and receive Medicaid, you’re not eligible
for income from this fund. If you receive government housing assistance that could be affected by
receiving additional income, contact our Service Center at 800.352.2876.
Application Process
- Complete the application form.
- Return the form and a copy of your most recent IRS Form 1040 to Portico at the address on the form.
If you’re eligible, you’ll receive a letter from us confirming eligibility, the monthly amount, and effective date. You can be assured we’ll protect the privacy and confidentiality of your personal information.
Note: Future payments from this fund are not guaranteed. If, for some reason, this fund cannot continue to provide monthly income, payments could be discontinued or partial funding could be available and the amount of additional income would be adjusted for all recipients.
Annual Income Verification
If you receive financial assistance from the Special Needs Retirement Fund, you’ll be asked each year to confirm ongoing eligibility.