Path Back to Social Security for Faith Leaders Signed into Law
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Pastors and other faith leaders who opted out of Social Security will have an opportunity to opt back in under legislation advanced by the Ways and Means Committee and signed into law by President Trump. The Clergy Act (H.R. 227), introduced by Representative Vince Fong (CA-20), creates a two-year window for clergy to reverse their opt-out decision, begin paying into the system, and restore their eligibility for future benefits. Under prior law, the choice to opt out was irreversible.
Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (MO-08) issued the following statement:
“America’s pastors and faith leaders spend their lives caring for others. Many chose to opt out of Social Security when they were young and just starting their ministry. A single, sometimes ill-advised, decision made decades ago should not stand between them and a secure retirement. The Clergy Act gives them a second chance. I commend Representative Fong for standing up for our faith leaders and thank President Trump for signing this into law.”
Representative Vince Fong (CA-20) issued the following statement:
“Our faith leaders dedicate their lives to serving others and strengthening our communities. The Clergy Act gives clergy members who previously opted out of Social Security the opportunity to re-enroll and secure their financial future. I’m proud this bipartisan legislation passed both chambers of Congress and was signed into law by President Trump. Thank you to Senator Britt for her partnership and to President Trump for his leadership and commitment to our faith community. Those who spend their lives caring for others deserve the opportunity to plan for their own future. This law is an important step toward making that happen.”
The bill passed the Ways and Means Committee by a vote of 40 to 0, cleared the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 350 to 5, and passed the Senate by unanimous consent.
Clergy Act (H.R. 227):
- Clergy can choose to exempt themselves from Social Security taxes on income from their ministerial work, and roughly 2,000 receive an exemption every year. Those who opt out don’t earn Social Security benefits from that work.
- Clergy generally must make this decision within four years of starting their ministerial career. Under prior law, the choice could not be reversed.
- The law lets clergy opt back in for tax years beginning in 2029 and 2030. They must still meet the standard contribution requirement to earn full retirement benefits, and Congress last opened a similar window in 1999.
- The bill was backed by the National Association of Evangelicals, Church Alliance, Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability, GuideStone Financial Resources, and AARP.
Read a fact sheet on the bill here.
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