Congress restores clergy's ability to rejoin federal benefit programs
A new law signed by the president lets priests and bishops who previously gave up federal benefits to reapply, with a two-year window in the 2029 and 2030 tax years.
President Donald Trump signed a bill that gives Catholic clergy a two-year window—covering the 2029 and 2030 tax years—to reenter federal retirement and health insurance plans after previously withdrawing. The law, supported by the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, aims to correct past decisions made on questionable financial advice. It cleared the House with a 350-to-5 vote and received unanimous Senate approval, representing the third congressional effort to allow such a reversal since a similar provision in 1999.
Eligible clergy must satisfy the usual contribution rules to receive benefits. Earlier this year, the State Department allocated new humanitarian funds to Catholic Relief Services, which had faced budget cuts that forced staff reductions. The fresh resources will support food, health, water, sanitation and shelter projects in Ethiopia, Haiti, Nigeria, Sudan, and will aid Ebola response efforts in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Why it matters
It restores retirement and health security for clergy who previously left federal benefit programs.
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