The bipartisan Clergy Act would let eligible ministers reverse a previous decision to opt out.
Congress has passed legislation giving qualifying clergy members a limited opportunity to rejoin Social Security after previously exempting their ministerial earnings from the system.
The Senate approved the Clergy Act unanimously, following House passage earlier this year. In an October 1 announcement, sponsors said they looked forward to President Trump signing the legislation.
Certain clergy members may currently claim an exemption from self-employment taxes on religious or conscientious grounds. That decision generally cannot be reversed, and the exempt earnings do not count toward Social Security or Medicare benefits.
The bill would create a new opportunity to revoke that exemption. Participants would still have to satisfy normal benefit requirements; it would not automatically grant retirement payments.
Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala., and Sen. Maggie Hassan, D-N.H., led the Senate effort. Republican Rep. Vince Fong and Democratic Rep. Mike Thompson, both of California, sponsored the House legislation.
GuideStone Financial Resources and the Southern Baptist Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission welcomed passage. Supporters say the change would help ministers who reconsidered decisions made early in their careers.
According to Baptist Press, the legislation would take effect in 2029 if signed. Ministers should not treat congressional passage as an enrollment window opening immediately.
Sources
- Sen. Katie Britt: Clergy Act passes Senate unanimously, October 1, 2026.
- Baptist Press: GuideStone and ERLC welcome passage, October 1, 2026.
