Did you know that the President of the United States gets to keep some perks after leaving the Oval Office?
Whether they’ve spent four or eight years in the White House, former presidents don’t just walk away empty-handed. Thanks to the Former Presidents Act of 1958, they receive lifetime benefits—and some of them are pretty incredible! From generous pensions to top-tier security and VIP travel perks, these exclusive advantages ensure they stay comfortable, protected, and well-connected long after leaving office.
Whether they choose to write memoirs, deliver high-profile speeches, or simply enjoy retirement, these benefits serve as a thank you for their years of service in shaping the nation. After all, leading a country is no small task! What a sweet deal, right?
So, what exactly do former presidents get? Let’s dive into the perks that make post-presidency life pretty luxurious!
1. Big pension paychecks
If you thought that a $400,000 yearly salary for a president was pretty fantastic, you’ll be surprised by how much the former American leaders are still entitled to. Former presidents will enjoy the equivalent to the salary of a Cabinet Secretary for the rest of their lives. As of 2021, the salary for a Cabinet Secretary is $221,400 per year, but this depends on specific roles within the cabinet, as well as adjustment for inflation.
…What are your thoughts on this one? Do you think it’s a fair pension paycheck? Leave a comment below, and let’s debate!
2. Free office space
Did you know that the former leader’s office space is covered by the U.S. General Services Administration? This is part of its annual budget. The administrator can set a cap on how much money goes to that office, but the former president can choose any location within the United States. No wonder that some locations are more expensive than others.
For example, Bill Clinton used $511,000 for his office space, while Barack Obama got $84,000 for it in the fiscal year 2017. But that’s not all—office supplies and furnishings are also provided by the government. Pretty great, right?
…If you could choose an office space anywhere in the United States, where would it be? Personally, I’d love a huge office in either Los Angeles or New York City on the top floors to enjoy the incredible views. What a dream! I’d love to hear where you’d choose—share your thoughts in the comments below!
3. Saying “goodbye” to the White House
Leaving the White House means returning to “real life.” While every president had their own life and job before becoming such an important public figure, going back to their roots isn’t always an easy transition.
The federal government thought ahead and allocated up to $900,000 to help the former president adjust and also assist in the transition to the new president. The ex-leader might receive a portion of that funding during the first six months after leaving office to help with “winding up the affairs of their office”.
4. Office staff
Not only do former heads of the country get big pension checks, but they also get the possibility of spending that money on paying for office staff. When they first say goodbye to the Oval Office, they get up to $150,000 for staffing every year, but after the first two years and a half, that number drops to less than $100,000 annually.
But not everything the president touches is free. There are actually many things they have to pay for themselves once they move into the White House. Want to learn more about that? Check out this article: 11 Unexpected Things Presidents Pay for Themselves (Did You Know This?)
5. Financial security for spouse
I would love for my husband to be financially secure in case I die before him, but that’s not how things work—especially since I’m not the President of the United States. And let’s be honest, I never will be.
One of the most interesting perks of being the head of the country is financial security for the spouse. Former presidents don’t need to stress out too much about having enough money in case something happens and they lose their lives before their spouses.
Widows and widowers of ex-presidents will be provided with a $20,000 pension annually. However, there are a few criteria they have to meet for this arrangement to work, like not remarrying before the age of 60 and not holding another federal office job.
…This is a bit of a spooky topic, but since we’re talking about dying, who will take care of the funeral costs? Keep reading to find out!
6. Funeral costs
Did you know that U.S. commanders-in-chief are given the unpleasant task of planning their own funerals early in the presidency? While it’s an unsettling responsibility, it’s an important part of a president’s legacy. When they do leave this world behind for good (hopefully many years after their presidential mandate ends), they can choose a state funeral to help the country pay its respects.
According to experts, state funerals are deeply ceremonial affairs that are a symbol of the leader’s importance to the nation. They usually include military honors, public viewings, and a procession that carries the president’s body to its final resting place.
…What do you think about this interesting perk?
7. Secret Service protection
Another perk of the former presidents is that they are entitled to lifetime security from the Secret Service. That’s because they will be in the public eye for the rest of their lives. Unless an ex-spouse remarries, their partners receive the same benefits, and their children are eligible for free security until they reach sixteen.
Since they’re popular, the Secret Service protection will occasionally go above and beyond the normal arrangement, giving the former president and their family the security they need for as long they need it. Pretty great, right?
8. Health benefits
Like other federal employees, American presidents can keep their health benefits after they retire, as long as they’ve served at least five years. This usually means two full terms in office, but there are some exceptions.
For example, Jimmy Carter isn’t eligible, while George H.W. Bush is, thanks to his earlier government roles before becoming the head of the country. Interestingly, even though he had the option, Bush decided not to take advantage of those health benefits.
Every president can choose whether or not to enjoy the perks they’ve earned, which allows them to consider what works best for them during their post-presidential years.
…Would you take the health benefits if you were a former president of the United States? Personally, I’d be all in! Staying healthy is one of the most important things in life, and let’s be real—healthcare in America can be really expensive.
What do you think about all these perks that former presidents get even after leaving office? Do they deserve them? After such demanding jobs, it’s no surprise that those benefits are pretty significant. I’d love to hear your thoughts, so drop a comment below and let’s talk about it!
If you enjoyed reading this article from Trending Now, we have many others you must check out! Here’s a good one you won’t want to miss: “This Time Is Different” for Melania Trump
