Ministers Gain New Option to Join Social Security
Eligible ministers can elect to participate in Social Security starting in 2029 to help bolster their retirement benefits.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Retirement Planning
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President Donald J. Trump signed the Clergy Act into law, creating a new pathway for certain ministers to participate in the Social Security system. This legislation specifically targets clergy members who previously opted out of the program.
Why it matters
The law provides a long-term solution for ministers who may have opted out of Social Security without fully considering the future impact on their retirement benefits. It allows these individuals to correct past choices and work toward the earnings requirements necessary to claim benefits.
Ministers will have a two-year window to elect Social Security participation starting in 2029, a process that follows the 10-year covered work standard required for benefit eligibility.
The players
President Donald J. Trump
The current President of the United States who signed the Clergy Act into law.
GuideStone
An organization providing educational resources and updates to ministers regarding the law.
The details
Under the new law, ministers are treated as self-employed for Social Security purposes, which dictates how their participation and benefit contributions will be handled. The legislation allows those who previously opted out to opt back into the system, provided they meet the new participation requirements. Because qualifying for benefits generally requires 10 years of covered work, participants should weigh how this shift impacts their long-term retirement planning.
Timeline
October 20, 2026: President Donald J. Trump signed the Clergy Act.
2029: The two-year election period for Social Security participation begins.
Money Landscape
The Clergy Act updates the long-standing coverage rules established by the Social Security Act of 1935 for a specific group of workers. It creates a defined opportunity for ministers to re-enter the system after previously opting out.
Ministers who opted out of Social Security should review their retirement strategy to determine if participating in the system starting in 2029 improves their long-term benefit outlook. Discuss the potential impact on your tax situation and future earnings with a qualified tax professional.
The takeaway
This legislation offers a rare chance to reconsider your Social Security status if you are a minister who previously opted out. Track updates from your professional resources to ensure you are ready when the election window officially begins in 2029.
What happens next
Ministers should prepare for the two-year election window opening in 2029.
Further reading
For more on building a stable retirement, see our guide to Retirement Planning.
More information
To review the latest guidance, visit the Clergy Act resource center.
Live Poll
Do you believe participation in social security provides essential financial security for ministry families?
