As we prepare for the new clergy retirement program in 2026 called Compass, we want to remind you of two things.
First, we will begin collecting clergy contributions on July 1, 2025. These contributions will appear on the Benefits Billing statement that you currently receive. If your church is already using auto-pay for Benefits Billing, this amount will be added to your automatic payment. Please be sure that you do not remit it twice by also sending it to Wespath.
This was set to take effect on January 1, 2026, but we were invited to institute it earlier. This ONLY affects clergy contributions to the pension. All lay employee contributions will still be remitted to Wespath. During 2025, we will collect UMPIP contributions, and starting on January 1, 2026, those contributions will go into Compass for clergy.
Second, the default clergy contribution in Compass is 4% of compensation plus housing. If you are not currently contributing 4% to UMPIP, we encourage you to start now. This change will take effect on January 1, 2026, unless you choose to opt-out. Just as our office took the initiative to address the billing change early, we invite you to take the initiative with your contribution rate. If you would like to modify your contribution rate, please submit this form to our office.
Last Updated on March 4, 2025