Former President Joe Biden’s pension has become a focal point of renewed scrutiny as new analysis shows the 46th commander in chief receives the largest taxpayer-funded retirement package of any former president in U.S. history. The estimated payout exceeds even what Biden earned while serving in the White House, raising questions about long-standing federal benefit structures.
According to an analysis by National Taxpayer Union Foundation Vice President Demian Brady, Biden was eligible to collect approximately $417,000 in combined pension benefits during his first year out of office. “It’s pretty unusual, historically unusual, to have such a large pension amount,” Brady said. “I would have to say that it’s the largest.”
The Biden pension reflects his decades-long career as a senator, vice president, and president. Brady described Biden’s situation as “unique,” noting a loophole that allows him to draw from multiple taxpayer-backed retirement systems. Biden qualifies for benefits under both the Former Presidents Act of 1958 and the Civil Service Retirement System for former senators.
Brady estimated Biden’s Senate and vice presidential pension could reach $166,374 annually, factoring in spousal benefits. Federal caps prevent that figure from rising higher, even though Biden’s service would otherwise allow for more. On top of that, Biden receives a presidential pension equal to a Cabinet secretary’s salary, currently $250,600 per year.
The Former Presidents Act also provides lifetime benefits beyond pensions. For fiscal year 2026, the General Services Administration budgeted more than $1.5 million for Biden, including $727,000 for office space alone. “There’s no cap on the rent for that,” Brady said, adding, “It’s also provided for life.”
Brady argued the situation highlights the need for reform. “Biden is making more in retirement than the current president gets,” he said. Senator Joni Ernst has introduced legislation to cap presidential pensions and reduce related perks, reviving a debate that has lingered in Washington for decades.
