Whereas, our disabled pastors are currently receiving 40% of the Denominational Average Compensation (DAC). [The DAC for 1995 is $34,832. 40% of the DAC is $13,932.80]; and
whereas, although the majority of United Methodist pastors on disability are receiving Social Security Disability benefits as well, there are United Methodist pastors not receiving Social Security Disability who are attempting to live on $13,932.80 per year; and
Whereas, the tests for Social Security Disability are far more stringent than required by private disability providers and require inability to do any work, not just the work for which they are trained; and
Whereas, the disability payments of many, if not the majority of, businesses are provided at 60% of a person's annual salary; and
Whereas, our need to be fiscally responsible must not be at the expense of our disabled pastors; and
Whereas, for the few pastors who are not receiving Social Security Disability income, a percentage increase would mean the difference between poverty level income and surviving more adequately;
Therefore, be it resolved, that the General Conference consider avenues for increasing the current disability benefits of 40% of the DAC.
General Conference Webmaster: Susan Brumbaugh
PETS Creator: John Brawn
Petition Text: 20713-FA-NonDis-O
1996 United Methodist General Conference