Clergy Spouse Handbook - Wisconsin Conference United Methodist ...

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HANDBOOK 2010 submitted.docPage 22 of 51 Pages. Advise all creditors, including issuers of credit cards that you spouse has died. Some ofyour loans or perhaps the house may be paid for when death occursand is verified.. If your spouse was a veteran, there may be additional benefits. Contact theVeteran’s Administration.ResourcesContact Social Security to apply for widowed persons benefits and ask for details oneligibility for Medicare.Bill Greenhalgh of Greenhalgh Legal Services, Baraboo, WICommission on the Statue and Role of Women of the Iowa Conference of The United MethodistChurch.Wisconsin Conference Clergy Spouse NetworkChapter 8FINANCES, INSURANCE, AND PENSIONContact person and policies: Benefits Officer (Jane Daniels, 2006), Wisconsin ConferenceTreasurer’s office, 608-837-7320. The Benefits Officer reports to the General Board of Pensions,1-800-356-4950. The Wisconsin Conference Yearbook includes “Rules and Policies of theWisconsin Annual Conference.” The United Methodist Foundation can assist with estateplanning 608- 837-9582.Financial management1. There is advantage in both spouses understanding family financial assets and liabilities.Share the tasks of budgeting, bill paying and financial planning so both partners are preparedto live independently.2. Shop for credit and don’t abuse the privilege. A good credit rating is a valuable asset.3. Keep good records. It helps you plan and it is great protection from the I.R.S.4. Know where essential papers and records are kept. You should be able to locate informationon the different kinds of insurance you carry along with any death benefits they offer. Youshould be able to locate information on pensions, annuities, and outstanding debts.5. If all savings and checking accounts, safety deposit boxes and timed certificates are in boththe husband’s and wife’s names you avoid inheritance taxes and delays caused by probatewhen a spouse dies. In most circumstances it is advisable to register property in both names.Consult a tax expert to determine the most beneficial arrangements.6. If the signature of both spouses is on a safety box, either can gain entrance to the box. At thedeath of a spouse, you will have to wait for the County Assessor to accompany the remainingspouse to inventory the contents. It is a good idea to keep copies of essential papers at home.7. In the case of divorce, address settlement of assets including pension, insurance, and socialsecurity. Develop a new budget. (See section 7.)
HANDBOOK 2010 submitted.docPage 23 of 51 Pages8. Tax deductions and tax laws tend to be different for clergy. Educate yourself about allpossible deductions. Keep all relevant receipts. A web site for clergy tax information iswwwebtax.com/income/clergy.9. A budget that includes a tithe and offering can keep your focus on storing treasures inheaven.10. In the event of financial hardship, you may ask the Joint Board of Pensions, Insurance andEquitable Compensation for assistance. They will review your request. (See WisconsinConference Journal, 2006 Rules and Policies of the Wisconsin Annual Conference, 100.1.4)Financial planning1. Set financial goals as early as you can in your ministry. Also set financial goals at retirementtime.2. Make sure your congregation pays their share of your pension.3. Social Security provides benefits at retirement, upon disability, to a dependent of someonewho gets Social Security and to widows, widowers and children of someone who has died.Check your social security record every 3-5 years. To apply for Social Security, contact theConference Treasurer’s office or the General Board of Pensions. When clergy are ordained,they may choose a Personal Investment Plan (PIP) in place of Social Security.4. Start saving. You can start small, but save regularly.5. If you are near retirement, keep an insurance policy rather than cash it in. If you need cash, itmight be better to borrow on it than to cash it in.6. Pension benefits may be excluded from taxable income if used for housing. A clergy widowis no longer eligible for this benefit.7. At age 65 you are eligible for Medicare. Sign up for Medicare at your nearest Social Securityoffice. It is advantageous for you to do this at least six months prior to retirement.8. Estate planning is the preparation for the transfer of assets from one individual to another.Proper planning can save taxes and can provide a smooth transition for your family. Withouta will, the state makes all the decisions regarding your estate including your finances andcustody of children. Contact an attorney. Name an executor. Contact the United MethodistFoundation for information on estate planning.Insurance plansComprehensive. Clergy under appointment within the Wisconsin Annual Conference in a localchurch or beyond the local church must participate in Conference Group Insurance,Comprehensive Protection Plan (CPP). CPP is administered by the General Board of Pension andHealth Benefits of the United Methodist Church and coverage policy is found in the conference“Comprehensive Protection Plan Adoption Agreement” (Wisconsin Conference Journal, 2006Rules and Policies of the Wisconsin Annual Conference,100.2.0 Comprehensive ProtectionPlan). Insurance coverage can change annually.DisabilityIf a member of the clergy is forced to give up ministerial work because of physical or emotionaldisability the clergy family may be eligible for benefits from the CPP.To apply for disability leave benefits, contact the Conference Treasurer’s office or the GeneralBoard of Pensions.
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