Do Presidents Collect Social Security? Examining a Key Retirement Benefit

Many Americans question whether their leaders, especially presidents, engage in the same financial practices as everyday citizens. A closer look at how former presidents like Donald Trump and Joe Biden handle Social Security benefits reveals some intriguing differences.

The Social Security Benefit Divide

Joe Biden has been receiving Social Security for years, unlike Donald Trump, who has not claimed any benefits despite being eligible. This discrepancy sparks questions about financial planning and retirement.

Donald Trump turned 79 in June 2025, making him eligible for Social Security for some time. Yet, his tax returns show no Social Security income, even with reported overpayments. This suggests he hasn’t collected, although he could have collected a larger amount had he waited until age 70.

Biden’s Social Security Journey

Joe Biden has collected Social Security for over 15 years, starting in 2008. That year, he received $6,534 in benefits. By 2023, Biden and his wife reported $64,254 in Social Security income. His tax records since 1998 consistently reflect benefit receipts.

Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton became eligible in 2008 and 2009, respectively. However, their returns showed no Social Security income, even after they surpassed full retirement age. Public records indicate they did not claim benefits during those years.

Historical Perspectives

Both Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush were eligible for Social Security. However, released tax returns show no record of payments, a pattern influenced by the pre-1984 tax rules, which differed from today’s standards.

Presidents and the System

Before 1984, presidents didn’t contribute to Social Security, a practice that changed with a 1983 law. Now, presidents, like other full-time workers, pay into the system and are eligible for benefits upon retirement.

Social Security plays a significant role in the political landscape. According to the Social Security Administration, in 2023, over 67 million Americans received Social Security benefits, emphasizing its significance to retirees (Source: SSA).

The rising number of older voters makes Social Security a central issue for presidential candidates. Retirees want to know if their benefits are secure and what candidates plan to do.

The public records show that presidents are eligible for Social Security, like any other American. While some haven’t collected benefits based on available records, others, like Biden, have received them during retirement.