5 Things Clergy Should Do Before 2027

5 Things Clergy Should Do Before 2027

As the new year approaches, full-time clergy should take a few minutes to review their pension and health benefit elections:

1. Complete your 2027 HealthFlex Annual Election, October 28–November 12.
Clergy should log in to Wespath Benefits Access during Annual Election to review their coverage and make their 2027 benefit elections. HealthFlex is reducing its medical plan offerings from six to four for 2027 to simplify plan offerings, making it especially important to review the available options. www.wespath.org

2. Check your current Compass contribution rate.
Review the percentage you are currently contributing from your salary. A personal contribution of at least 4% allows you to receive the full available church match.

3. Decide whether the Personal Compass Contribution auto-escalation works for you.
If you are currently contributing 4%, your contribution will automatically increase to 5% on January 1, 2027. If you do not want the increase, you must opt out of the election through Benefits Access by December 31. 2027.

4. If you have student loans, review the new matching provision.
The Qualified Student Loan Provision is now available. Eligible clergy with qualified student loan payments should review the provision and complete the required self-certification through Benefits Access.

5. Meet with Your Payroll Administrator - Review your 2027 Compensation and Expense Report with your church's payroll administrator, along with your personal benefit elections and payroll deductions. Confirm that your Compass contributions, HealthFlex premiums, and any other applicable deductions are accurately reflected in your payroll for 2027. Complete this review by December 31 to help ensure your payroll and benefits are administered correctly beginning January 1, 2027.

The Rio Texas Conference Board of Pensions remains committed to ongoing education and support so clergy can understand their benefits and use them with confidence. Taking time this fall to review Compass contributions, student loan eligibility and HealthFlex elections can help clergy begin 2027 with their benefit elections aligned with their individual needs and long-term financial goals.