U.S. Senators Katie Britt and Maggie Hassan’s Clergy Act Passes United States Senate Unanimously

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Katie Britt (R-Ala.) and Maggie Hassan’s (D-N.H.) bipartisan legislation, the Clergy Act , passed the Senate unanimously. The bill, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives earlier this year, led by Representative Vince Fong (R-Calif.), supports faith leaders by allowing clergy members who previously opted not to be covered by Social Security a time-limited opportunity to opt back in to coverage. “I’m thrilled that this bipartisan legislation passed the Senate unanimously. Members of the clergy are pillars of so many communities across our nation. They should have the opportunity to enroll back in Social Security, and now they will. I’m thankful for Senator Hassan’s partnership in getting this legislation across the finish line in the Senate, as well as Congressman Vince Fong for leading this bill successfully through the House. I look forward to President Trump signing it into law,” said Senator Britt. Under current law, certain members of the clergy may make a one-time, irreversible decision to exempt their ministerial earnings from self-employment taxes. If they elect to do so, they do not receive Social Security and Medicare benefits based on that income. “I’m pleased to see the Senate unanimously passed our bipartisan Clergy Act. Clergy are important members of communities across New Hampshire, who help lead their congregation and provide comfort for Granite Staters during quiet moments and in difficult times,” said Senator Hassan . “This commonsense measure will allow clergy to opt back into Social Security and help them to safeguard their financial future and plan for a dignified retirement.” Most clergy members are automatically covered by Social Security, but those who are conscientiously opposed may exempt themselves. Opting out excuses them from paying Social Security taxes and makes them ineligible for benefits, a decision often made early in their careers that some come to regret. “Our faith leaders give everything to their communities in the Central Valley and across our nation. They deserve financial security in return,” said Representative Fong. “The Clergy Act gives clergy members who previously opted out of Social Security the opportunity to re-enroll and take control of their financial future. I am incredibly proud this legislation passed both chambers with strong bipartisan support, and I look forward to President Trump signing it into law. Thank you to Senator Britt for getting this across the finish line. It’s a monumental step towards taking care of the people who take care of our communities.” The Clergy Act will give these faith and community leaders a re-enrollment window to opt back into Social Security coverage. Consistent with current eligibility requirements, clergy members who opt back in will generally need to earn 40 Social Security credits, typically requiring about 10 years of covered work, to qualify for Social Security retirement benefits. The bill will also require the IRS to develop and submit to Congress a plan to notify clergy members of their eligibility to revoke their exemptions. Congress has repeatedly given clergy members who exempted themselves from Social Security the opportunity to opt back in, including in 1977, 1986, and most recently in 1999 through the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act . Statements of support for this legislation are below: “By giving clergy who previously opted out of Social Security an opportunity to opt back in, the Clergy Act will create a pathway to a stronger financial foundation in retirement for those who have dedicated their lives to serving our communities,” said Church Alliance Executive Director Christopher Wells . “The Church Alliance expresses its deepest gratitude to Reps. Fong and Thompson and Sens. Britt and Hassan for their leadership, and to all members and staff in the House and Senate who contributed to the passage of this impactful piece of legislation.” “I applaud the sponsors of the Clergy Act for shepherding this bill to final passage. This is an exciting moment for many pastors who may feel trapped by a decision they did not fully understand as they began their pastoral work,” said Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability President & CEO Michael Martin . “The temporary window this bipartisan bill opens for those ministers to re-enter the Social Security system is a reasonable allowance. Moreover, it will truly be a welcome breath of fresh air for these servant leaders.” To view the bill text, click here . ###