We feel a duty to make sure that you understand that when filing Form 4361, Application for Exemption from Self-employment Tax, you are signing that you are conscientiously opposed to, or opposed to based on your religious principles, the acceptance (for services you perform as a minister) of benefits from public insurance systems including Social Security and Medicare. \u00a0Your UMC pension plan benefits are based on providing income that supplements Social Security earnings and your health care from the Conference in retirement is based on a Medicare supplement plan. \u00a0It has been the recommendation of\u00a0Wespath and the NC Annual Conference that clergy participate in the provisions of Social Security and Medicare and not file for this exemption. \u00a0The Social Principles of The United Methodist Church are not in opposition to payments from public insurance plans.<\/p>\n