Trump Signs Law Allowing Clergy to Rejoin Social Security

President Donald Trump signed a law on October 20 that permits clergy, including Catholic priests and bishops, to opt back into Social Security and Medicare. The legislation establishes a two-year window during the 2029 and 2030 tax years for eligible individuals to rejoin the programs, provided they meet standard contribution requirements.

The bill passed the House of Representatives 350-5 on April 27 and was cleared by the Senate via unanimous consent on September 30. The measure addresses a tax code restriction that generally prevents clergy from reversing an opt-out decision. According to the House Ways and Means Committee, approximately 2,000 people currently utilize the opt-out provision. This marks the third such window offered by Congress, following a previous instance in 1999.

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops supported the law, stating that many clergy members opted out decades ago due to inaccurate financial advice. Jason Smith, Chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, advocated for the bill, arguing that a single decision made early in a ministry should not prevent faith leaders from having a secure retirement.