How are support levels determined?
Recommended support levels are based on the actual costs of ministering and living at a reasonable level. Missionaries are responsible for ministry expenses, benefits and taxes, including costs that are usually an employer’s responsibility. For instance, missionaries must pay twice as much into Social Security as the typical US employee, because they are paying both the employee and employer shares. They pay for all of their own medical and life insurance premiums, and retirement. Missionaries usually pay for their own ministry-related travel and much of the equipment needed for ministry. An overseas missionary’s ministry expenses are typically 35 percent of their recommended support level, with 30 percent going toward benefits and taxes and 35 percent for personal expenses. For a US-based missionary, 10 percent is typically for ministry expenses and 30 percent for taxes, with 60 percent for personal expenses.
