news article
Delayed Enforcement of Direct Bill Arrearage Policy Extended to Dec. 31, 2022
February 22, 2022 / By Susan Latessa, Director of HR/Benefits / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Understanding the struggle faced by many congregations, the Conference Board of Pension and Health Benefits (CBOPHB) had voted to delay enforcement of the direct bill arrearage policy that went into effect Jan. 1, 2020, for years 2020 and 2021. The CBOPHB has approved to continue the delayed enforcement through Dec. 31, 2022, recognizing that there are churches that are still struggling financially.
In 2020, most churches were able to continue making their monthly direct bill payments, which was extremely helpful and very much appreciated by the Board. As of Dec. 31, 2020 – the direct bill arrearage amount was only $12,091 (not including prior year arrearage amounts).
In 2021, the direct bill arrearage amount was significantly higher, with $125, 027 of direct bills being unpaid as of Dec. 31, 2021 (not including prior year arrearage amounts).
Please remember that this is only a delay in the direct bill arrearage policy. It is not a forgiveness of arrearage amounts. If your church is able to pay their direct bills, please do. If your church is experiencing financial hardship as a result of reduced giving during this time, the church is asked to notify their District Superintendent as well as the Susan Latessa, Director of HR/Benefits in the Benefits office to discuss their situation. The Upper New York Conference will work with churches on a case-by-case basis.
Click here to view a copy of the arrearage policy. Click here to read communication from December 2019.
Hopefully, 2022 is the year of renewed health personally, spiritually, and financially for all.