Pastors, teachers, and members of the clergy make a significant chunk of the over-65 workforce, party because this spiritual communities seem to place a value on their elderly population in ways other social segments may not

My grandfather is 82. He’s been the pastor of the same church in New Jersey for almost 60 years.

Some can’t afford to retire

In the early 80’s, pastors were permitted to opt out of social security on their ministerial income. A few years later they were permitted a short period to get back in, if they didn’t they were permanently out of the system. I wonder how many are hitting their sixties without SS and have no alternative but to keep working.

My grandfather has it good. He was a New Jersey school teacher for 35 years at the same time he was a pastor and never drew a salary from his church. This means he has one of the best public pension programs in the country. I guess those days are over for future teachers with Chris Christie as governor :-)

[Ron Bean] In the early 80’s, pastors were permitted to opt out of social security on their ministerial income. A few years later they were permitted a short period to get back in, if they didn’t they were permanently out of the system. I wonder how many are hitting their sixties without SS and have no alternative but to keep working.

My wife and I were just discussing the decisions we made years ago about paying into social security and buying a house. We are so thankful we did both.