Did You Opt Out of Social Security?

Many ministers have opted out of Social Security relying on their own resources for their future retirement. Sometimes, this was done out of principle instead of pragmatic planning for the future. And some clergy, ministers, and pastors have regretted their decision later in life.

There is hope for those who would like to participate going forward. Two bills introduced in the both the House and the Senate will allow clergy members until April 15, 2030 to revoke their prior elections out of the Social Security system. These bills have bipartisan support and were recently introduced when the new Congress was seated. This resurrects (no pun intended) similar legislation that was introduced in the prior Congress.

You can always go to Congress.gov to follow these bills. The one in the house is called the Clergy Act (HR 227) and the one in the Senate also bears the same name (S 4126).