Find out who qualifies for housing support from us.

Who qualifies for assistance?

A stipendiary minister must serve a minimum of 15 years’ fulltime unbroken service (or aggregated equivalent part-time service) in order to be considered for assistance. The minister must have reached retirement age (65 and over) or less if permitted to retire early on grounds of physical or mental incapacity duly approved by the URC.

If a minister dies whilst in stipendiary service, a surviving spouse/partner will qualify for assistance if the minister would have had enough qualifying service up to their normal retirement date.

Unforeseen situations do occur, and, in such circumstances, it is possible to submit a special application to the RMHS Board for consideration.

Are there restrictions?

Yes. Having managed properties and supported tenants for many years it has become clear that some properties represent poor investment both for the RMHS and ministers who have a share. Additionally, some properties become impractical as age can restrict mobility.

A more important piece of criterion we apply is in setting a price ceiling for properties we are willing to purchase in each local area across the mainland UK.

By using a price ceiling, we can both manage expenditure and ensure ministers are treated fairly depending on where they hope to retire to, as property prices vary considerably from region to region.

What do I need to do?

The object of the RMHS is to assist ministers who are in financial need.

The calculation of financial assistance from the RMHS towards the purchase of a home considers a minister’s assets and income.  If you have come into stipendiary ministry later in life, there is an expectation that you/your spouse will have assets secured during that time.

We use a set of formulae to determine the level of financial contribution you make, if applicable, towards the purchase of a home.

If you would like a copy of the current ceilings or have an estimate based on the ceilings and your expected service to normal pension age, please contact the RMHS team at rmh@urc.org.uk or telephone 020 7916 8643.