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Once a minister communicates his decision to GCM to remain in the social security system (thereby giving up the option to opt out of the system) then GCM will give that employee an additional 7.65% in salary from that point forward.  This additional GCM compensation is called a “Social Security Offset” and referred to as a FICA bonus (since it is designed to cover what would have previously been you FICA taxes).  

To be eligible for the “SS Offset,” you must send an email to GCM notifying us of your decision to remain in the social security system.  Please email hr@gcmweb.org and submit a new Support Goal Calculator. 

• Ministers who communicate their decision to GCM to remain in the social security system within 3 months from receiving this Information Packet, will be eligible for the 7.65% social security bonus ( FICA Bonus ) retroactively to the time period they began receiving GCM wages as a minister. 
• Ministers who communicate this decision to GCM anytime after 3 months (from date of receiving this Info Packet), will be eligible for the 7.65% ( FICA ) bonus beginning with the next available pay date. (You will only be eligible for up to 3 months of retroactive ( FICA ) bonus and must request that in your email).
• Remember, you must begin to pay your own social security tax (SECA - the language changes for self-employed individuals) from the point in time that you are paid GCM wages as a minister. See Chapter 8 in Zondervan Minister Tax & Financial Guide for options on paying this SECA tax. 

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Please be aware that if you request a “Social Security Offset” and a FICA bonus and then decide within the two years that you are opting out, you will also be required to repay the “SS Offset”bonus total you have received to date.

Summary of steps:

1. Read the Zondervan Minister’s Tax & Financial Guide.

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• If you decide to stay in the social security system, email hr@gcmweb.org, notifying GCM of your decision in order to be eligible for the 7.65% Social Security OffsetFICA bonus.
• If you decide to opt out of the social security system, send an email to hr@gcmweb.org stating that you are conscientiously opposed to public insurance as a minister.
• Complete a new Support Goal Worksheet

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1. “Ministers and Social Security Tax” provided by: Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability. www.ECFA.org.
2. “Ministers Opting Out of Social Security” provided by: Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability. www.ECFA.org.
3. Excerpt from “Chapter 6 à - Retirement and Social Security; Opting Out of Social Security” from 2012 Minister’s Tax & Financial Guide.
4. FAQ

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