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Clergy Act
1/8/2026, 9:07 AM
Summary of Bill HR 227
Bill 119 HR 227, also known as the "Clergy Social Security Fairness Act," aims to provide members of the clergy with the option to revoke their exemption from Social Security coverage. Currently, clergy members are able to opt out of Social Security benefits, which can leave them without access to important retirement and disability benefits.
This bill would allow clergy members a specific period of time in which they can choose to opt into Social Security coverage, providing them with the same benefits and protections as other workers. The bill also includes provisions for clergy members who have already opted out of Social Security to retroactively enroll in the program.
The purpose of this legislation is to ensure that clergy members have access to the same social safety net as other workers, and to address the disparities in retirement and disability benefits that currently exist for members of the clergy. This bill is aimed at providing clergy members with greater financial security and stability in their retirement years. Overall, Bill 119 HR 227 seeks to level the playing field for clergy members in terms of Social Security coverage, and to ensure that they have the same opportunities for financial security as other workers.
This bill would allow clergy members a specific period of time in which they can choose to opt into Social Security coverage, providing them with the same benefits and protections as other workers. The bill also includes provisions for clergy members who have already opted out of Social Security to retroactively enroll in the program.
The purpose of this legislation is to ensure that clergy members have access to the same social safety net as other workers, and to address the disparities in retirement and disability benefits that currently exist for members of the clergy. This bill is aimed at providing clergy members with greater financial security and stability in their retirement years. Overall, Bill 119 HR 227 seeks to level the playing field for clergy members in terms of Social Security coverage, and to ensure that they have the same opportunities for financial security as other workers.
Congressional Summary of HR 227
Clergy Act
This bill establishes a two-year window for certain members of the clergy and Christian Science practitioners to revoke their exemption from Social Security and Medicare taxes on ministerial earnings. Under current law, such individuals who object to participation in public insurance programs on religious or conscientious grounds may apply to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for an irrevocable exemption and will not receive Social Security or Medicare benefits in retirement unless they have qualifying credits from other employment.
The IRS must develop a plan to inform members of the clergy and Christian Science practitioners of their eligibility to revoke prior exemptions, pursuant to the bill's changes.
Read the Full Bill
Current Status of Bill HR 227
Bill HR 227 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since January 7, 2025. Bill HR 227 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the House on January 7, 2025. Bill HR 227's most recent activity was Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 370. as of January 7, 2026
Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 227
Total Number of Sponsors
1Democrat Sponsors
0Republican Sponsors
1Unaffiliated Sponsors
0Total Number of Cosponsors
13Democrat Cosponsors
5Republican Cosponsors
8Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 227
Primary Policy Focus
Social WelfareAlternate Title(s) of Bill HR 227
To allow a period in which members of the clergy may revoke their exemption from Social Security coverage, and for other purposes.
To allow a period in which members of the clergy may revoke their exemption from Social Security coverage, and for other purposes.
Comments
Sponsors and Cosponsors of HR 227
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