Trump signs bill to reopen Social Security, Medicare opt-ins for priests, clergy

President Donald Trump signed a law on Oct. 20 that allows clergy, including Catholic priests and bishops, to rejoin Social Security and Medicare if they previously opted out. The measure, which received support from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, opens a two-year window for clergy to reverse their decision during the 2029 or 2030 tax years.

Under current tax law, clergy can choose not to pay Social Security and Medicare taxes for ministerial work, but they forfeit the ability to receive those benefits. While opting out is typically a permanent decision, this law provides a temporary opportunity for those who wish to change their status. To receive benefits, participating clergy must still meet standard contribution requirements.

The House Ways and Means Committee reported that approximately 2,000 people currently use the opt-out provision. This is the third time Congress has provided a temporary window for clergy to reverse an opt-out, the previous instance occurring in 1999. The House passed the bill 350-5 on April 27, and the Senate approved it by unanimous consent on Sept. 30.