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Clergy Act
3/14/2025, 3:38 AM
Summary of Bill S 639
Bill 119 s 639, also known as the Clergy Social Security Parity Act, is a proposed piece of legislation that aims to give members of the clergy 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 that other workers receive.
The bill would establish a specific period of time during which clergy members could choose to revoke their exemption and begin paying into the Social Security system. This would allow them to receive the same benefits as other workers, providing them with a safety net in their retirement years.
In addition to addressing the issue of Social Security coverage for clergy members, the bill also includes provisions for other purposes. While the specific details of these provisions are not outlined in the summary, it is clear that the bill aims to ensure fairness and equality in the treatment of clergy members when it comes to Social Security benefits. Overall, the Clergy Social Security Parity Act seeks to give clergy members the option to participate in the Social Security system, providing them with important benefits and protections that they may currently be missing out on.
The bill would establish a specific period of time during which clergy members could choose to revoke their exemption and begin paying into the Social Security system. This would allow them to receive the same benefits as other workers, providing them with a safety net in their retirement years.
In addition to addressing the issue of Social Security coverage for clergy members, the bill also includes provisions for other purposes. While the specific details of these provisions are not outlined in the summary, it is clear that the bill aims to ensure fairness and equality in the treatment of clergy members when it comes to Social Security benefits. Overall, the Clergy Social Security Parity Act seeks to give clergy members the option to participate in the Social Security system, providing them with important benefits and protections that they may currently be missing out on.
Congressional Summary of S 639
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 for an irrevocable exemption and will not receive Social Security or Medicare benefits in retirement unless they have qualifying credits from other employment.
The Internal Revenue Service 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 S 639
Bill S 639 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since February 19, 2025. Bill S 639 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the Senate on February 19, 2025. Bill S 639's most recent activity was Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. as of February 19, 2025
Bipartisan Support of Bill S 639
Total Number of Sponsors
2Democrat Sponsors
0Republican Sponsors
2Unaffiliated Sponsors
0Total Number of Cosponsors
1Democrat Cosponsors
1Republican Cosponsors
0Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 639
Primary Policy Focus
Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 639
A bill to allow a period in which members of the clergy may revoke their exemption from Social Security coverage, and for other purposes.
A bill 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 S 639
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