The extensive political career of former President Joe Biden has led him to retire with the biggest taxpayer-funded pension in U.S. history, amounting to $417,000—surpassing even his presidential salary, according to experts.
Biden, now 83, is set to benefit from a large pension. Analysis from Demian Brady, vice president of the National Taxpayers Union Foundation, indicates that during his first year in office, the former president tapped into two pension funds.
“Having such a substantial pension is quite rare, to say the least,” Brady commented.
When comparing Biden’s pension to that of previous presidents, he noted, “This one is definitely the largest.”
The estimated amount he will annually receive is double what his predecessor, Barack Obama, earned. After leaving the White House, Biden is projected to earn $17,000 more than his annual presidential salary of $400,000.
Brady pointed out that Biden’s unique background—including his roles as a senator, vice president, and president—allowed him to exploit certain “loopholes,” granting him access to multiple taxpayer-funded retirement options.
Biden previously claimed to be “one of the poorest members” of Congress but now stands to gain significant benefits through both the 1958 Presidential Act and the Civil Service Retirement System for former senators.
The salary from the CSRS pension is computed using a formula that considers Biden’s extensive 44 years of service as a senator and vice president, alongside his top three-year salary during that time.
“Biden’s initial pension may reach around $166,374, which includes $18,186 from spousal benefits,” Brady said, emphasizing this estimate assumes he opts for the maximum Senate pension.
Without a cap that limits annual payments to 80% of his peak salary of $230,700 from his terms as vice president and president of the Senate, Biden could have collected more than $254,000 a year.
First elected to the Senate in 1972, Biden’s retirement plan was established before adjustments made it less generous for newer senators.
Alongside his Senate and vice-presidential funds, Biden also receives $250,000 annually from his presidential pension. A law from 1958 mandates that his pension equals the current presidential salary, which stands at $250,600.
This legislation was introduced to address public concern about former President Harry Truman’s financial difficulties post-presidency, though it’s noted that Truman ultimately had more financial stability than initially presumed.
The law also set up additional taxpayer-funded perks for former presidents, which include funding for staff, equipment, and office space.
The General Services Administration has allocated over $1.5 million for Biden for fiscal year 2026, including more than $727,000 solely for office space, a record amount for any president.
“There are no limits on rent,” Brady explained. “This could mean expensive leases in high-cost areas, with taxpayers covering it indefinitely.”
Representatives for Biden did not return comments regarding these issues. Brady raised questions about whether younger former presidents, like Obama, should be able to charge the government for office space that’s often used for writing memoirs or book deals. He believes it’s essential for lawmakers to prevent future presidents from enjoying similar financial benefits as Biden.
“Biden’s retirement income exceeds what the current president earns,” he stated. “While this situation is especially unique, it certainly calls for reform.”
Last year, Senator Joni Ernst introduced the Presidential Benefits Modernization Act, which seeks to cap presidential pensions at $200,000 and reduce benefits like office space and travel expenses.
A prior version of this bill passed in 2016 but was vetoed by President Obama just before he left office, aiming to reduce benefits previously enjoyed.
Concerns surrounding taxpayer-funded pensions aren’t limited to former presidents like Biden. Under federal statutes, all Congress members are eligible for an annual pension after five years of service, costing taxpayers around $38 million a year.
Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene stirred controversy when she announced that her final day in Congress would be just a couple of days after beginning her role, which allows her to qualify for an annual pension of $8,717. Although Greene’s benefits are low compared to longtime Representative Nancy Pelosi’s estimated $107,860 pension when she resumes office in 2027, Greene could still amass over $265,000 in taxpayer-funded pensions throughout her lifetime.
