-All missionaries under age 67, and currently on the Disability Plan – please see below.

I wanted to inform you of an important decision regarding the BBFI Disability Plan approved by the BBFI Missions Committee in September.  First, let me give you the context behind the decision.  Since its inception in 1985, less than 5 missionaries have made claims to begin receiving benefits from the plan.  Also, over the past several years, the Mission Office has made great strides to reinforce the status of Independent Contractor for our missionaries instead of the Employer/Employee relationship.  The mandatory $25 monthly premium could easily be perceived as a required employee benefit by the IRS.  All this to say, the Disability Plan simply is not fulfilling the purpose originally intended.

The decision has been made to Phase Out the BBFI Missionary Disability Plan.  Therefore, those of you under the age of 67 who are currently eligible for the Plan, and are paying the $25 monthly premium have one of two options:

1. Opt-Out.  By opting out of the Plan you will no longer be eligible for disability benefits and the Mission Office will cease to deduct the $25 each month.  The Mission Office, will in turn, refund all premiums you have paid into the Disability Plan plus 5.25% interest.
2. Remain In.  By remaining in the Plan, you will continue to be eligible for disability benefits and the Mission Office will continue to deduct the $25 monthly premium from your account.

Missionaries between the ages of 67-70, who are currently at legal retirement age, and according to policy not eligible to receive the disability benefits, will automatically receive the refund plus 5.25% interest.

Beginning in January and continuing through June 2019, you will be able to make the selection to opt out or remain in the Disability Program.  Look for further instructions in January as to HOW to make your selection known to the Mission Office.

Serving with You,

Brian Garrison, Associate Mission Director