Clergy Spouse Handbook - Wisconsin Conference United Methodist ...

HANDBOOK 2010 submitted.docPage 39 of 51 Pagesspouse should inform the District Superintendent. The District Superintendent is available todiscuss this development, to provide pastoral care, and to refer persons to other counselingresources. Should separation or divorce become a reality, the Bishop should be notifiedimmediately.As a spouse is separating from or divorcing a clergyperson, he/she may feel a disconnection fromtheir spiritual base. Upon request, the District Superintendent can refer the spouse to professionalcounseling.The General Board of Pensions has held that clergy pension benefits are other assets that need tobe considered by the divorce court in arriving at an appropriate settlement. The Board will assistin the implementation of a property settlement or court decree that involves the pension funds ofa divorced clergyperson, subject to certain limitations. You may call or write the General Boardof Pensions for assistance (847-869-4550).2. DisabilityDisability of a clergyperson is traumatic for the church as well as the clergy family. It may beeither temporary or long term. In either event, it is important that the ministry of the local churchbe enabled to continue effectively during the period of disability.Temporary disability is defined as an illness/accident that prevents a clergyperson fromdoing the daily work of the church’s ministry for more than 4 weeks, but less than 6 months fromthe date of disability. Local churches should determine the extent of their financial supportduring the period of disability. They may apply to the Commission on Equitable Compensationfor additional funding. Staff-Parish Relations Committees should be in consultation with theDistrict Superintendent.Long-term disability is a disabling condition which is expected to prevent the clergyperson fromfulfilling pastoral responsibilities for at least 6 continuous months. To qualify for disabilitypayments, the disabled clergy must have been an active participant in the ComprehensiveProtection Plan (CPP)) for at least 180 days prior to becoming disabled. The180-day waitingperiod is waived if the participant’s disability is the result of an accident. Certain pre-existingcondition provisions may also apply.To apply for disability benefits from CPP, the disabled participant must submit three completedforms to the General Board of Pensions and Health Benefits:• Application for Disability Benefits• Report of Complete Medical Examination• Medical Information Release.These forms can be obtained from the General Board of Pensions and Health Benefits orthe Conference Board of Pensions liaison, Don Rogers (1-800-768-6040). (John, I need somehelp here. This was in the Virginia book and sounded helpful. Is it accurate for us?)The General Board’s medical consultant will review the completed forms to determinewhether the individual’s condition meets the CPP definition of disability.Disability benefits are not payable for any period during which a participant is receiving asalary from the salary-paying unit. Individuals who are receiving CPP disability benefits mustmake application and be approved annually for continued disability benefits. In addition,disability claimants must annually submit information on their total annual income for purposesof applying the earnings test. When total income from various sources (including the CPP