Donald Trump signs Clergy Act to allow Social Security re-enrollment

President Donald Trump has signed the Clergy Act into law, providing a temporary window for eligible ministers, including Catholic priests and bishops, to re-enroll in Social Security and Medicare. Under current tax codes, clergy members can opt out of these programs for their ministerial work, but such decisions are typically irreversible.

The new legislation establishes a two-year election period during the 2029 or 2030 fiscal years. This allows those who previously opted out to choose prospective participation, provided they meet standard contribution requirements. The bill received significant bipartisan support, passing the House of Representatives with a 350-5 vote and receiving unanimous consent in the Senate.

Approximately 2,000 individuals currently opt out of the system. Supporters of the law, including Senator Katie Britt and Representative Jason Smith, noted that many religious leaders made these decisions early in their ministries without fully realizing the long-term implications for their retirement security.