U.S. Sens. Katie Britt, R-Ala., and Maggie Hassan, D-NH, have reintroduced the bipartisan “Clergy Act,” which would allow clergy members who previously opted out of Social Security a chance to opt back into coverage.
Currently, certain clergy members may elect to exempt their ministerial earnings from self-employment taxes which prevents them from receiving Social Security and Medicare benefits from that income. That decision is irreversible and is often made early in these individuals’ careers, leading some to regret the choice down the line.
“I’m proud to reintroduce the Clergy Act, a commonsense measure to support our nation’s faith leaders. This bill would allow clergy members to opt back into the system and pay into Social Security, ensuring fairness while providing an avenue to a secure retirement,” Sen. Britt said in an official press release on Thursday. “I look forward to getting this bipartisan legislation enacted into law.”
Britt’s press release explains that the Clergy Act would provide clergy members with a re-enrollment window during which they can opt back into Social Security coverage. Those who decide to opt back in would be required to pay into Social Security for 10 years before being eligible to receive benefits.
“Clergy are important members of our community, who help lead their congregation and provide comfort during quiet moments and in difficult times,” Sen. Hassan added in her own statement. “This commonsense bipartisan measure will allow clergy to opt back into Social Security, helping them to safeguard their financial future and plan for a dignified retirement.”
Congress has provided these re-enrollment windows for clergy members before, including in 1977, 1986, and most recently in 1999, through the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act.
The legislation is also endorsed by the Church Alliance, Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability, and the National Association of Evangelicals.
“I am grateful to Senator Britt and Senator Hassan for reintroducing the Clergy Act. Early in their ministries, some pastors opt out of Social Security and then have no opportunity to fix that choice once they realize their mistake. This bill opens a very reasonable window to help and would be a breath of fresh air for them. I encourage the Senate to approve this important legislation,” said ECFA President and CEO Michael Martin.
Britt and Hassan previously introduced the Clergy Act in 2024, as a companion to a similar bill introduced in the House, but neither bill passed at the time.
