Joe Biden’s long career in government has led to a very large retirement pension. Recent reports say he now receives the biggest taxpayer-paid pension of any former U.S. president in history. His yearly pension is even higher than the $400,000 salary he earned while he was president. This news has caused strong debate. Many people are questioning government spending and how retirement benefits work for top leaders.
The Breakdown of a Record-Breaking Retirement
Joe Biden’s retirement income is higher than any other former president. Reports from the National Taxpayers Union Foundation and the New York Post say his total yearly pension is about $417,000. This amount is much more than what Barack Obama received after leaving office. It is also higher than the pensions of all past presidents. This large pension comes from two different government programs. The law allows this situation, even though some people call it “double-dipping.”
The Former Presidents Act (FPA) of 1958
This law gives every former president a pension for life. The amount is equal to the pay of a Cabinet Secretary. Right now, that amount is about $250,600 per year. Joe Biden qualifies for this pension because he served as president.
The Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS)
Joe Biden also receives a second pension. This comes from his many years in Congress and as vice president. He served 36 years in the Senate and 8 years as vice president.
Because he started his career early, he is part of an older retirement system. This pension adds about $166,374 per year to his income.
Taxpayer-Funded Perks Beyond the Paycheck
Joe Biden’s pension is not the only cost paid by taxpayers. Under the Former Presidents Act, the government also pays for other benefits. For the year 2026, the government plans to spend more than $1.5 million on Biden’s post-presidency needs.
Office Space
Taxpayers pay for Joe Biden’s office rent. This cost is about $727,000 per year. This is higher than the office costs for former presidents Clinton, Bush, and Obama. There is no law that limits how expensive or large these offices can be.
Staff and Supplies
The government also pays for Biden’s staff. This includes assistants, office equipment, and communication tools. These benefits are provided for life.
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Travel and Security
Joe Biden receives Secret Service protection. Taxpayers also help pay for his travel so he can attend public events and duties without using his own money.
The Push for Reform: The Presidential Allowance Modernization Act
The size of Biden’s pension has renewed calls for change. Critics say these benefits were created long ago, when former presidents did not earn much money after leaving office.
Today, many former presidents earn millions from books and speeches. Critics argue they do not need such large taxpayer support.
The Presidential Allowance Modernization Act of 2025
Senator Joni Ernst from Iowa has introduced a new bill called S. 534. The bill suggests several changes:
- It would limit the presidential pension to $200,000 per year.
- It would reduce benefits if a former president earns more than $400,000 from private income.
- It would stop former presidents from collecting multiple government pensions.
A similar bill was vetoed by President Obama in 2016. However, the high cost of Biden’s benefits has renewed interest in reform.
Why Biden’s Pension is a “Historical Anomaly”
Experts say Biden’s situation is very unusual. Most presidents did not spend over 40 years in government before becoming president. Biden entered the Senate in 1972, when retirement benefits were much more generous. Newer lawmakers do not receive the same level of benefits. Because of his long service and the timing of his career, Biden receives more retirement money than any other former president.
Final Thought
Joe Biden’s pension is the result of old laws and long government service. As the national debt grows, many Americans are asking an important question: Should retirement benefits for former presidents be updated to match today’s economy and their personal wealth?
Disclaimer
The news information presented here is based on available reports and reliable sources. Readers should cross-check updates from official news outlets.