Geneva Benefits Group Applauds Passage of Clergy Act

New law gives clergy who previously opted out of Social Security a two-year opportunity to opt back in, beginning in 2029.

Lawrenceville, GA – October 21, 2026 – Geneva Benefits Group celebrates the signing of the Clergy Act into law, providing clergy who previously opted out of Social Security a limited time window to opt back into the program.

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the legislation in April, and the U.S. Senate passed it by unanimous consent on September 30. With the President’s signature on October 20, the Clergy Act establishes a two-year window beginning in 2029 for eligible clergy to revoke a previous Social Security exemption.

Under current law, clergy can choose to opt out of Social Security. Some make that decision early in their careers, only to regret it years later—when the decision is generally irreversible. Choosing not to participate can have significant long-term consequences, including the loss of access to Social Security retirement, disability, and survivor benefits. For some clergy, retirement brings the sobering realization that their personal savings may not be enough to cover their needs after a lifetime of faithful service.

For Geneva, the legislation represents a significant step toward strengthening the financial security of ministers and their families.

“On behalf of Geneva Benefits Group, I wholeheartedly support the passage of the Clergy Act,” said Ed Dunnington, President and CEO of Geneva. “As a benefits organization serving multiple denominations, we have witnessed firsthand the essential role Social Security plays in ensuring that our retired ministers and their families have adequate income during their final season of ministry. The Clergy Act will enable ministers who previously opted out of Social Security to reenter the system, helping secure a more stable and financially sustainable retirement.”

Geneva is preparing additional resources to help ministers and ministry leaders evaluate the opportunity. In the coming months, the organization will release a calculator designed to help individuals estimate the potential value of opting back into Social Security. Geneva will also publish a white paper exploring the financial considerations involved in the decision, including case studies illustrating how opting back in could affect different ministry families.

“We’re excited about the opportunity this legislation creates for ministers who may have reconsidered their decision to opt out,” Dunnington said. “Our goal is to help them understand their options and make decisions that strengthen their financial foundation for retirement and provide greater protection for their families.”

The Clergy Act reflects a growing recognition of the unique financial considerations faced by clergy and the importance of helping those who have devoted their careers to serving their churches and communities prepare well for the future.

About Geneva Benefits Group

Geneva Benefits Group is committed to supporting the wellbeing of pastors, ministry workers, and their families, so they can live generously in every season of ministry. Through retirement readiness resources, financial planning, insurance, ministerial wellbeing programs, and other benefits, Geneva seeks to care for those who care for the church. Additional resources about the Clergy Act and Geneva’s upcoming tools will be available at genevabenefits.org/clergyact.