Georgia Congresswoman’s Resignation Raises Questions on Benefits
WASHINGTON — The impending resignation of Georgia Republican U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene has led to various inquiries and some confusion regarding the healthcare and pension benefits available to lawmakers after they leave office.
This system can be a bit tricky, often depending on when a legislator starts and how long they serve. Members need at least five years of service to qualify, and Greene just makes the cut, set to officially step down in January.
For those elected after 1984, there’s eligibility for the Federal Employees Retirement System. However, members elected before that might rely on the Public Employees’ Retirement System, which could mean slightly different benefits for them.
The nonpartisan Congressional Research Service has noted that, “Like all federal employee pensions, they are funded by a combination of employee and employer contributions.” This is part of their report on retirement benefits.
It states, “Members of Congress can receive a pension starting at age 62 if they have served at least five years. If they’ve completed 20 years of service, they can start drawing at age 50, or any age after 25 years. The pension amount depends on the total years served and the average salary from their highest three years. Notably, the pension can’t surpass 80% of their final salary.”
Additionally, all congressional members must participate in Social Security, meaning their tax contributions and benefits align with standard recipients.
As a baseline, members of Congress, aside from leaders, earn $174,000 annually.
Greene began her term on January 3, 2021, and will have served a bit more than five years by the time she resigns on January 5.
Once she reaches 62, Greene is expected to receive around $8,700 annually for the rest of her life. She’s currently 51.
In comparison, former U.S. Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), who was first elected back in June 1987, will receive a notably higher pension due to her extended time in Congress and higher earnings during her tenure.
The National Taxpayers Association Foundation indicated that Pelosi will garner an annual pension estimated at $107,860 when she leaves in January 2027.
Health Insurance Benefits
According to a separate report from the Congressional Research Service, retired or resigned members of Congress can purchase health insurance from the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program if they had insurance through the D.C. Affordable Care Act Marketplace during the five years leading up to their retirement.
While serving, they can also have a part of their health insurance subsidized by their federal employer, as long as it’s from the D.C. Marketplace, established by the Affordable Care Act.
The level of federal subsidy for health insurance can vary, depending on whether the legislator opts for coverage just for themselves or for their family as well.
