Retirement Solutions That Support Lifelong Service
Sensible retirement solutions designed to help UCC ministries and aligned organizations support clergy and lay employees to serve lifelong on a foundation of financial security.
Faith‑Driven Retirement Solutions Rooted in Financial Strength
Our retirement programs bring together the Pension Boards’ long standing commitment to faith, service, and financial stewardship. We offer tools for sensibly setting aside funds for the future, investing ethically, and turning retirement assets into financial security that enables lifelong service. Because for those called, retirement is redirected purpose.
Plan Overview
Lifetime Retirement Income Plan
As the sponsor of the Lifetime Retirement Income Plan for the United Church of Christ, the Pension Boards provides a retirement experience that supports every stage of being called to serve. With early savings opportunities to purposeful investment decisions and all the way through retirement income that empowers individuals to choose how they want to serve in their later years.
For ministries, our programs help to attract and care for clergy and lay service people while giving members—both active and retired—confidence, flexibility, and values aligned investment options.
Why Ministries Choose Us
Across the UCC, from small congregations to large care facilities, employer organizations understand the importance of supporting people of call—ministers, lay employees, and care providers—with reliable, faith-aligned retirement planning.
The Pension Boards serves as a committed plan sponsor to these ministries, offering a stable, well governed retirement plan built uniquely for the needs and values of church organizations. Features include:
- Easy administration that doesn’t require advanced financial services experience
- Opportunities for optional tax-advantaged employer contributions
- A plan exempt from many ERISA complexities—while still offering strong financial protections and oversight
- Attractive plan features help ministries attract, retain, and care for those who serve
- Plans are offered by a partner deeply aligned with the mission and values of UCC ministries
Retirement Plans Built on a Foundation of Trust
Those called to ministry deserve a retirement grounded in service, stewardship, and lasting stability. Members benefit from personalized support and values aligned investment options that grow with them throughout their careers—and continue to sustain them into retirement.
Our plans offer retirement income options not commonly available in commercial plans including:
- Sustainable investment choices aligned with UCC values
- Guidance from certified financial and retirement planners who understand the lifestyle, concerns and needs of people of call
- Plan management focused on the long term good of the entire UCC community
Accumulation Solutions
For Members Who Are Saving and Growing Their Retirement Assets
Lifetime Retirement Income plan members can build retirement savings with flexible contribution options, diversified and values aligned investment choices, and easy online account management tools and support.
Key highlights:
- Tax advantaged contributions (pre tax or Roth)
- Eleven professionally managed PBUCC investment funds
- Sustainable and UCC values aligned investment options
- Target Annuitization Date Funds for “hands off” investors
- 100% immediate vesting for all contributions
- Support from Pension Boards member counselors, Fidelity account management services, and other financial wellness resources
Retirement Income Solutions
Opportunities for Members to Turn Savings into Lifetime Income
Members can convert retirement balances into predictable, steady lifetime income through the Pension Boards’ uniquely designed annuity options. This special opportunity aligns with our long standing commitment to enabling secure retirements for clergy and lay employees.
Features include:
- Two lifetime annuity options (Participating & Basic)
- Secure monthly income based on accumulated savings
- Housing allowance eligibility for ministers
- Employer-funded reserves that strengthen long term member benefits
- Personalized guidance from Pension Boards Counselors
Explore additional offerings that support a strong foundation for ministry service.
Personal Finance Resources
Educational tools and counseling are available to help individuals and families build financial wellbeing—from daily money management to future planning.
Investing with Intention
Guided by UCC values, our investment strategy emphasizes a commitment to uplift communities, protect creation, and promote human dignity.
Philanthropy Partnerships
Partner programs and solutions are available for UCC organizations to help ministries thrive today and build a strong foundation for tomorrow.
Need help? Prefer to talk with us? Let’s connect.
CALL USMore Information
As it was, when I graduated seminary, we had very little, other than the support of the UCC Pension Plan to get us headed in the right direction in planning for retirement… ensuring that a consistent amount, 14% of base salary plus housing, was set aside annually for our family to depend on in retirement.. trust the Pension Boards and their care for you.Rev. Don Wagner
Retired and serving as a supply preacher for the Illinois South Conference
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