Faith leaders are pillars of our communities, from big cities to small towns. They are with us in life’s most important moments, from baptisms to weddings to funerals, and they guide us in growing in faith and living out God’s plan and purpose for our lives. They are the epitome of servant leaders. 

That’s why, as a United States Senator, I’m proud to do my part to support faith leaders. I’m especially glad to share that my bill, the Clergy Act, passed the Senate unanimously after receiving overwhelming support in the U.S. House of Representatives, and has now been signed into law. This is bipartisan lawmaking at its best: finding commonsense solutions for hardworking Americans.

Under current law, certain members of the clergy may make a one-time, irreversible decision to exempt their ministerial earnings from self-employment taxes. If they elect to do so, they do not receive Social Security benefits based on that income. 

This law changes that to give these community and faith leaders the ability to reverse this decision – which is often made very early in their careers – and afford them the opportunity to better their financial futures. 

Beginning January 1, 2029, clergy will have a two-year re-enrollment window to opt back into Social Security. Congress offered similar windows in the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, but nearly 30 years have passed since the last one. Our faith leaders have given so much to us, and this law helps them plan for a more secure future of their own.

Before the window opens, I encourage our faith leaders to consult your financial advisor now and have your tax forms prepared. This opportunity will only be available for a limited time, and thousands of America’s ministers stand to benefit. Opting back in to Social Security is a permanent decision, but thanks to the Clergy Act, it’s now a choice that our clergy can make with the benefit of experience and wisdom they may not have had at the start of their careers.

1 Peter 4:10 reminds us: “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”

Our clergy have spent their lives doing exactly that. I am grateful to use the gift of my position in the Senate to serve those who have served us, walked beside us through every season of life, and guided us closer to the Lord.