Pension Fund Readies One-Time Emergency Aid Program to Support Pastors During the ACA Subsidy Crisis with up to $2.5MM

(Indianapolis, IN) – Pension Fund of the Christian Church is creating a one-time Emergency Aid Program under the “Unforeseen Circumstances” rules of Ministerial Relief and Assistance to fill the gap created by H.R. 1, also known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. As a result of the act, pastors who purchase a health care plan through the Affordable Care Act (Health Insurance Marketplace) are facing premium increases of up to 114% year over year should Congress fail to reach an agreement to extend the premium subsidies.

While Ministerial Relief and Assistance does not pay for health insurance premiums, Pension Fund leadership recognizes that absorbing these costs is beyond the reach of many congregations and will inflict economic hardship on pastoral families. Rev. Julie Richardson, Vice President of Programs and Development shared, “The anxiety in the system is palpable. These are the moments for which our generous donors have made resources available to support pastors, and we are working hard to step into the gap.”

“In a perfect world, employers would recognize the cost of employment and cover 100% of the premium increase, however, we recognize that for many congregations adding another $3-5K in expenses is simply out of reach,” stated Rev. Dr. Todd A. Adams, Pension Fund President and CEO. Adams went on to share with the College of Regional Ministers that “We have heard you. Your phones are ringing off the hook. We hear the pastors and we are doing what we can to step into the gap without creating a long-term program while also maintaining hope that Congress will act in a timely manner.”

The program, offered on a one-time basis, will adhere to the guidelines outlined below:

If congress renews the subsidies at the 2025 levels, the program will not move forward. If the renewal includes an income cap, currently proposed at $200,000, the program will not move forward as most clergy families would receive the same subsidy.
This is a one-time $2,500 stipend for up to 1,000 clergy – an investment from Ministerial Relief and Assistance of up to $2.5MM.
These stipends are treated as non-taxable gifts under Emergency Aid, but they count toward the $15K Emergency Aid lifetime maximum for the pastor.
The stipend is flat regardless of marital and/or family status (single, married, married with children), income, or full-time/part-time status.
The pastor is required to currently be enrolled in a 2025 ACA plan, provide a copy of their 2025 invoice, and show proof of enrollment in a 2026 ACA plan. These required documents will be uploaded during the application process.
Pastors must be active members of Pension Fund and not eligible for Medicare.
Pastors must complete paperwork, including the required documentation, in a timely manner and by the stated deadline.
This process relies on self-reporting. If your congregation or employer covers your premium at 100%, please refrain from applying to ensure resources remain available for those who have a greater need.

Deadline & Payments:

The application process will begin on Nov. 1, 2025, and continue through Dec. 15, 2025. The hard cutoff to apply with the required supporting documentation is 12:00 PM EST Dec. 15, 2025. After this time, we will no longer accept any applications, and any incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Payments are contingent upon the timing of application and acceptance, along with verification of all necessary documentation. The initial disbursement of $1,250 will be issued according to the schedule outlined below:

Nov. 1-15 submissions processed by Dec. 30.
Nov. 16-30 submissions processed by Jan. 15.
Dec. 1-15 processed by Feb. 15.
Second payment of $1,250 will be processed by June 30, 2026.

If you have any questions about this program or eligibility, you can connect with our Vice President of Programs and Development, Rev. Julie Richardson via email.