What is a church pension plan?

A church pension plan is a retirement plan that is established and maintained by a church for its employees. The term “church” applies to all religious denominations, and the term “employees” includes both clergy and lay employees.

Church plans that are established and maintained by a church can also cover the employees of hospitals, schools, and other nonprofit organizations that are associated with that church.

In addition, a plan that is maintained by an organization associated with a church that has as its principal function the administration and funding of a pension plan can be treated as a church plan.

Learn more about church plans by reading these fact sheets:

• The facts about church pension plans
• Why does it matter if a pension plan is a church plan?
• Why are church pension plans not covered by federal laws?
• What are the types of church pension plans?
• The legislative history of church pension plans
• What can you do to protect employees in church pension plans?
• Workers covered by church pension plans tell their stories