Ministers' stipend

New rates for ministers' stipends are effective from 1 July 2010, with the basic stipend increasing by 1.5% to $42,533pa. The increase is based on the Department of Labour Average Wage Index increase of 1.5 percent for the year to 31 March 2009.

Calculation table

Ministers years of service 2009/2010 Stipend 2010/2011 stipend (1.5% increase ) Seniority allowance as
% of stipend
Seniority Allowance Revised Stipend
1  41,904.00       42,533.00               -    42,533.00
2  41,904.00       42,533.00 6%     2,551.98  45,084.98
3  41,904.00       42,533.00 6%     2,551.98  45,084.98
4  41,904.00       42,533.00 6%     2,551.98  45,084.98
5  41,904.00       42,533.00 6%     2,551.98  45,084.98
6  41,904.00       42,533.00 12%     5,103.96  47,636.96
7  41,904.00       42,533.00 12%     5,103.96  47,636.96
8  41,904.00       42,533.00 12%     5,103.96  47,636.96
9  41,904.00       42,533.00 12%     5,103.96  47,636.96
10  41,904.00       42,533.00 12%     5,103.96  47,636.96
11  41,904.00       42,533.00 18%     7,655.94  50,188.94
12  41,904.00       42,533.00 18%     7,655.94  50,188.94
13  41,904.00       42,533.00 18%     7,655.94  50,188.94
14  41,904.00       42,533.00 18%     7,655.94  50,188.94
15  41,904.00       42,533.00 18%     7,655.94  50,188.94
16  41,904.00       42,533.00 18%     7,655.94  50,188.94

We have recently calculated the increase to Ministers' Basic Stipend, Seniority Allowance and Beneficiary Fund contributions, to take effect from 1 July 2010, as detailed below.

  1. The Basic Stipend increases by 1.5 percent to $42,533pa.
  2. The increase is based on the Department of Labour Average Wage Index increase of 1.5 percent for the year to 31 March 2009.
  3. New Seniority Allowance rates remain the same at 6-18 percent of stipend, dependant on ministers' years of service:
  • 2 - 5 years service; $2,551.98 (6 percent of the basic stipend)
  • 6 - 10 years service; $5,103.96 (12 percent of the basic stipend)
  • 11+ year's service; $7,655.94 (18 percent of the basic stipend)

Supply fees

Supply fees for a minister or theological student leading services, based on the 2009/10 stipend are:

  • One service: $221.17 (.052 percent of basic stipend)
  • Two services: $297.71 (0.7 percent of basic stipend)
  • Two services with the same people: $425.33 (1 percent of basic stipend)

Reimbursing allowances

Reimbursing allowances will remain unchanged at $2623 per annum as follows:

  • Hospitality $665.00
  • Books $803.00
  • Clothing (vestments) $159.00
  • Other expenses $996.00

Housing allowance

A taxable Housing Allowance is payable to a minister who, with the agreement of the parish (or employing body), is living in his/her own home. The amount of the Housing Allowance is a matter of negotiation on the basis of a fair equivalent for accommodation normally guaranteed by the Standard Terms of Call. Rental values for comparable accommodation provide a useful starting point for discussion (see Accommodation Guidelines). These negotiations are facilitated by a person or persons appointed by the presbytery/UDC.

Beneficiary Fund personal contributions

Personal contributions payable by all members of the Beneficiary Fund in full time service is calculated as 5 percent of the Basic Stipend. From 1 July 2010 that amount will be $177.22 per month.

Deductions from stipend

Many ministers have their car loan and beneficiary fund contributions deducted from their stipend. These deductions should be taken from the stipend after PAYE has been deducted.

Summary

You can download a detailed breakdown of how stipend, allowances and PAYE are calculated across a range of ministers' housing and seniority scenarios. For further information please contact Margaret Fawcett at Assembly Office.

 

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