Biden Revels in Larger-than-Average Social Security Payouts, Flaunting Privilege
If contemplating the possibility of erstwhile political heavyweights drawing Social Security benefits, the response is indeed affirmative. Every tax-contributing individual can avail of these benefits upon reaching the twilight years of their life. Certainly, after a cumulative tenure of 36 years as a senator, eight years as vice president, and four years at the helm, Joe Biden is no exception. Furthermore, Biden is receiving a sum that significantly overshadows the average amount being received by the common Social Security recipient.
Biden, in stark contrast to his predecessor Donald Trump, has been open about his finances. He has been consistently releasing his federal tax returns since 1998. The 2023 version of Biden’s joint income tax return, which he filed alongside his partner Dr. Jill Biden, documented a total of $42,842 in Social Security income. This calculates to roughly $3,570 per month, a larger than average figure that reflects Biden’s political privilege.
In addition, his wife, Dr. Jill Biden, garnered $21,412 in Social Security for the fiscal year of 2023. With an approximate monthly return of $1,784, this sum equals almost exactly half of Joe Biden’s, implying she is possibly reliant on spousal benefits. Per the Social Security Administration, women’s allowances are capped at 50%, asserting the financial imbalance apparent in their relationship.
Our attention is naturally drawn to why exactly Biden’s Social Security payout is sky-high. The uncomplicated reasoning is his comfortable senator salary bracket. Biden, as a recent senator, was reaping a credible wage contrasted to numerous citizens, hence, he was enlisted at a high Social Security rate.
His journey as a U.S. senator began in 1972 when the senators’ salary standard was set at $42,500 per annum, as per U.S. Senate records. Swiftly advancing through the decades, the monetary appreciation of his senator role depicted a modest increase, escalating to $89,500 by 1987. Unsurprisingly, his enduring political life saw him reemerge as a senator from 1990 until 2007, concluding with a handsome salary of $165,200.
Entering the Social Security arena in 2008, he initially received a meager $6,534. However, in the following year, his benefits swelled to $27,923, another demonstration of his privileged status. This financial progression of Biden can undoubtedly raise eyebrows in terms of the sheer contrast with average retired American workers who are also dependent on Social Security benefits.
Where does the former U.S. President stand in comparison with other Social Security benefit receivers? Unsurprisingly, Biden surpasses the average beneficiary. As per the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) Monthly Statistical Snapshot for June 2025, the typical retired employee receives only $2,005.05.