How to Retire

When a minister decides to retire, the first step is submitting the Intent to Retire Form to the UUA’s Ministries and Faith Development staff. This form is required for recognition in the Service of the Living Tradition.

Early in the process of considering retirement, a minister should contact the office of Church Staff Finances for information relating to pension and retirement benefits.

Service Gratuity

A quarterly service gratuity is available to ministers age 67 and over with at least twenty-one years of service by The Unitarian Service Pension Society. You do have to retire to qualify. Read more about this aid fund (listed under “Aid Programs of Related Organizations”).

Early Retirement

Though Social Security benefits can’t be applied for until age 62, ministers in the UUA’s pension program may opt for early retirement at age 55, or age 50 for ministers with the approval of Ministries and Faith Development. There is no mandatory retirement age for either Unitarian Universalist (UU) ministers or non-ordained employees. A minister who elects early retirement and later seeks resettlement in a permanent full-time ministry shall not be eligible for further service benefits beyond those already earned prior to retirement (MFC Rule 29).

Retirement Due to Disability

A minister who is in full fellowship may retire at any time as a result of a long-term disability.

Recognition of Retirement

The Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) recognizes the retirement of ministers in its Fellowship annually at the Service of the Living Tradition held at General Assembly (GA). All ministers retiring prior to May 15th of a particular year will be acknowledged at that year’s service provided they complete and submit the Intent to Retire Form.

Retiring ministers will be listed in the Milestones section of the UUWorld magazine. They will also receive official recognition of their new status from the Ministerial Fellowship Committee.