Eligibility of Retired LCMS Workers

A retiree under age 65 who is receiving a pension from the Concordia Retirement Plan (CRP) and/or Pension Plan for Pastors and Teachers (PPPT) can be employed part-time (20 hours or less per week) or on a temporary basis (more than 20 hours weekly but five or less months per calendar year) without any loss of retirement benefits. When employment exceeds these limits, the retiree’s pension will cease and the retiree must again be considered an “active” worker and participate in the Plans as any other active worker does (i.e., the employer pays the contributions for that worker’s participation).

Retirees age 65 and older can continue to receive their pension from the Concordia Retirement Plan (CRP) and/or Pension Plan for Pastors and Teachers (PPPT) even if employed full-time. However, they must again be considered an “active” worker, and the employer must again pay contributions to the Plans on their behalf. Many employers hire retired LCMS workers on a part-time or temporary basis, making certain their hours are kept below the Plans’ limitation. Employers may also pay the retiree’s cost of Concordia Health Plan (CHP) coverage by requesting that the billing for that retiree appear on their monthly Plans’ invoice. Employers should keep in mind the Social Security earnings limit for retirees under age 65 who are drawing Social Security benefits