Former Presidents: Pensions, Office Allowances, and Other Federal Benefits

Wendy R. Ginsberg
Analyst in Government Organization and Management

The Former Presidents Act (FPA; 3 U.S.C. § 102 note) charges the General Services Administration (GSA) with providing former Presidents a pension, support staff, office support, travel funds, and mailing privileges. The FPA was enacted to "maintain the dignity" of the Office of the President by giving a former President—and his or her spouse—certain benefits so that he would not have to enter unsuitable occupations after leaving office. Former Presidents may currently receive a pension that is equal to pay for the head of an executive department (Executive Level I), which is $199,700 as of January 1, 2010. 

The President's FY2011 budget requested $3,907,000 for expenditures for former Presidents, $151,000 more than the $3,756,000 requested for FY2010. The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2010 (P.L. 111-117) appropriated President Barack Obama's requested $3,756,000 for expenditures of former Presidents in FY2010. 

Prior to enactment of the FPA in 1958, former Presidents leaving office received no pension or federal assistance. After leaving office, some former Presidents—including Ulysses S. Grant and Harry S. Truman—struggled financially. In 1912, industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie unveiled a plan to pay $25,000 pensions to all future former Presidents and their widows. The pensions were to be funded by the Carnegie Foundation of New York. Some Members of Congress and the public suggested it was inappropriate for a private company to pay pensions to former Presidents. Legislation was introduced that year to grant public pensions to former Presidents, but none of the bills were reported from committee. William Howard Taft, the only former President who was then eligible for Carnegie's offer, refused the pension. 

Since 1962, the U.S. Secret Service has provided protection to former Presidents because of their status as "visible national symbol[s]." Protection has subsequently been expanded to cover a former President's wife until death or remarriage. Minor children of former Presidents who are under 16 years of age also receive protection. In 1994, the law was amended to limit U.S. Secret Service coverage to 10 years for any President, and his spouse, who entered office after January 1, 1997. President George W. Bush is the first former President affected by this statutory change. 

On September 26, 2008, a bill (P.L. 110-326) was enacted, extending U.S. Secret Service Protection to a Vice President, his or her spouse, and family members for up to six months after leaving office. Previously, Secret Service protection for a Vice President and his or her family was provided on an ad hoc basis. 

This report describes the benefits Presidents receive upon leaving office, details the history of the FPA, and analyzes some legislative options for the 111th Congress related to former Presidents.


Date of Report: May 3, 2010
Number of Pages: 18
Order Number: RL34631
Price: $29.95

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