Clergy Act Passed, Allowing Social Security Re-enrollment
Ministers who previously opted out of Social Security may soon have a two-year window to join the federal retirement system.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Retirement Planning
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The U.S. Senate has passed the Clergy Act, legislation that allows ministers who once opted out of Social Security to revoke that exemption and re-enroll. The bill, which passed the House earlier this year, now heads to the White House.
Why it matters
The change addresses long-standing financial challenges for clergy members who find they lack access to Social Security benefits later in life. By re-enrolling, eligible ministers can begin building the work history necessary for retirement security.
The legislation mandates that eligible ministers complete 40 quarters, or 10 years, of contributions to qualify for benefits. Ministers will have a two-year window to initiate this re-enrollment process.
The players
U.S. Senate
The upper chamber of Congress responsible for reviewing and passing federal legislation.
House of Representatives
The lower chamber of Congress responsible for proposing and voting on federal tax and benefit bills.
White House
The executive office that reviews legislation passed by Congress before it is signed into law.
IRS
The federal agency tasked with collecting taxes and managing the notification process for enrollment.
Social Security Administration
The agency that manages federal retirement, disability, and survivor benefits for eligible workers.
The details
Under the new legislation, the IRS and the Social Security Administration are tasked with creating a formal process to notify eligible clergy of their opportunity to opt back into the system. Ministers must accumulate 40 quarters of contributions to satisfy eligibility requirements. This legislation follows similar re-enrollment opportunities provided by Congress in 1977, 1986, and 1999.
Timeline
April 2026: The House of Representatives passed the Clergy Act.
September 30, 2026: The U.S. Senate passed the Clergy Act.
January 1, 2029: First taxable year for the re-enrollment window.
January 1, 2030: Second taxable year for the re-enrollment window.
Money Landscape
This legislation follows a historical cycle of Congressional intervention to address gaps in retirement coverage for the clergy. It marks the fourth time since 1977 that policymakers have established a specific window for ministers to reverse previous opt-out decisions.
Ministers currently excluded from the system should watch for future official communications from federal agencies regarding the enrollment window opening in 2029. Consult with a qualified financial or tax professional to evaluate how participating in the program fits your overall retirement plan.
The takeaway
The Clergy Act provides a critical opportunity for ministers to gain access to long-term Social Security benefits. Review your current tax filings and work history to prepare for the upcoming two-year re-enrollment window that begins in 2029.
Further reading
For more on managing your path to retirement, see our guide on Retirement Planning.
Live Poll
Should the government provide clergy another chance to enroll in social security?
