November 7, 2023 - Congressman Kevin McCarthy (CA-20) has reintroduced the bipartisan Clergy Act (H.R. 6068) with Congressman Mike Thompson (CA-04). This bill would enable pastors and other clergy members — many of whom opted out of Social Security in their youth — to opt back into Social Security by establishing a one-time re-enrollment period.

Congressman Kevin McCarthy

McCarthy released the following statement:

“Faith leaders are pillars of strength in our communities. The Clergy Act would provide faith leaders across the country the opportunity to opt into Social Security so that they have more freedom when planning for retirement. After years of selfless service, they should have flexibility to decide what is best for their financial futures.”

The following statements were shared in support of the Clergy Act:  

“We are grateful for the leadership of Congressman McCarthy, Congressman Thompson, and others to address this great need for many faith leaders.”– Pastor Paul Chappell, Lancaster Baptist Church

“The National Association of Evangelicals commends Representatives McCarthy and Thompson for introducing the bipartisan Clergy Act. This important bill allows clergy who had previously been exempted from Social Security to opt back into the system. This will strengthen Social Security now while providing basic protection for faith leaders when they eventually retire.”– Walter Kim, President of the National Association of Evangelicals

“The Clergy Act offers a very helpful solution for ministers who mistakenly elected out of Social Security coverage early in their ministry. We support this legislation, and we believe ministers across the country will be very grateful for it.”– Michael Martin, President and CEO of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability

Background:

• Previously introduced in the 116th Congress, Congressman McCarthy has updated the Clergy Act for the 118th Congress in two ways:
• Provide a longer open season — through April 18, 2028 — for clergy members to request that the IRS revoke their exemptions from Social Security coverage; and,  
• Require the IRS to report to Congress on its plan to notify clergy members of their eligibility to request revocations of their coverage exemptions.
• You can learn more about the Clergy Act here.
  Source: Congressman Kevin McCarthy