Life & Disability
Caring for employees during life’s most difficult moments
Life and disability benefits play an important role in helping individuals prepare for the unexpected. These benefits are designed to provide financial protection for individuals and their families during times of illness, injury or loss—helping to support long-term stability and peace of mind.
Through Wespath, eligible individuals can access a range of life and disability coverage options, giving organizations flexibility in how they support their workforce.
Coverage Options
Wespath offers multiple life and disability programs that organizations can sponsor, depending on eligibility and ministry needs. These programs are structured to support employees across different stages of life and employment.
Comprehensive Protection Plan (CPP)
The Comprehensive Protection Plan (CPP) is available to UMC-affiliated plan sponsors for eligible clergy who meet the requirements of a full-time episcopal appointment. Organizations may also elect to cover three-quarter-time clergy, subject to eligibility rules.
CPP is administered by Wespath and includes a combination of benefits intended to support clergy and their families, including death benefits, supplemental benefits for surviving spouses, educational benefits for surviving dependent children and long-term disability benefits.
LifeOptions
Local churches and other UMC-affiliated organizations can adopt any or all LifeOptions plans.
These plans are fully insured and underwritten by Unum. LifeOptions offerings include:
Long-Term Disability Plan
Provides disability benefits for active clergy not eligible for CPP and eligible active lay employees. Coverage may be elected on its own or in combination with life insurance.
Organizations that sponsor CPP for eligible clergy may also offer the Optional Life Insurance Plan in conjunction with the Clergy Supplemental Life Insurance Plan, or as a standalone option.
Why Life and Disability Coverage Matters
Life and disability benefits help organizations care for employees during some of life’s most difficult moments. These programs are designed to:
- Provide income protection during periods of disability
- Offer financial support to families after a loss
- Help employees plan with greater confidence
- Create stability for ministries and congregations
By offering these benefits, organizations demonstrate a long-term commitment to the people who serve their communities.
Already Working With Wespath?
If your organization already partners with Wespath for retirement or health benefits, your relationship team can help you learn more about life and disability coverage options.