Trump signs law giving Catholic priests second chance at Social Security

President Donald Trump signed H.R. 227 into law on October 20, allowing eligible clergy to rejoin the Social Security and Medicare systems. The legislation, which received support from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, creates a two-year window for religious leaders to resume paying taxes on ministerial earnings for the 2029 and 2030 tax years.

Under current U.S. tax law, ministers may seek exemptions from Social Security and Medicare taxes on income earned through ministry. Those who choose this exemption forgo the corresponding benefits. The House Ways and Means Committee reports that approximately 2,000 people previously opted out of these programs.

Rejoining the system does not automatically guarantee benefits. Priests, pastors, and other religious workers must still meet standard contribution requirements to qualify. This is the third time Congress has provided a temporary period for clergy to reverse their decision to opt out, the last being in 1999.