Hold onto your wallets, folks—former President Joe Biden might be cashing in a pension that could make even the most frugal taxpayer wince.

A recent estimate by the National Taxpayer Union Foundation suggests Biden could receive up to $417,000 annually in retirement benefits, a figure that outstrips his presidential salary of $400,000 and overshadows the pensions of many past commanders in chief, as Fox News reports.

Let’s rewind to 1972, when Biden first stepped onto the national stage as a U.S. senator, kicking off a decades-long career in federal service. He later served as vice president from 2009 to 2016, racking up years of eligibility for retirement perks.

Biden's Lengthy Career Fuels Pension Estimates

Fast forward to today, and those years of service could translate into a hefty payout from multiple sources. The Former President’s Act of 1958 links presidential pensions to Cabinet secretary salaries, currently pegged at $250,600 annually.

On top of that, Biden qualifies for additional benefits under the Civil Service Retirement System for his time as senator and vice president. According to the National Taxpayer Union Foundation, this alone could net him up to $166,374 per year.

“It’s pretty unusual, historically unusual, to have such a large pension amount,” said Demian Brady, president of the National Taxpayer Union Foundation. Well, unusual might be an understatement when taxpayers are footing a bill that exceeds what Biden earned while leading the nation.

Pension Figures Spark Taxpayer Concerns

Brady also noted to the New York Post that Biden’s eligibility under the Civil Service Retirement System could reach that $166,374 mark for his pre-presidential roles. If that doesn’t raise eyebrows, consider how this stacks up against pensions of prior presidents, which often pale in comparison.

Now, let’s be fair—Biden isn’t writing these rules himself; he’s simply benefiting from a system long in place. Still, when hardworking Americans are tightening their belts, a near-half-million-dollar pension feels like a slap in the face to fiscal restraint.

Efforts to reach the National Taxpayer Union Foundation and Biden’s team for comment went unanswered, as reported by Fox News Digital. Silence on this issue only fuels the perception of disconnect between Washington elites and everyday citizens.

Congressional Push to Cap Pensions

Thankfully, some in Congress are taking notice of this eyebrow-raising payout potential. Sen. Joni Ernst has reintroduced the Presidential Allowance Modernization Act in 2025, aiming to cap presidential pensions at a more reasonable $200,000.

This proposal has been referred to the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee for review. Whether it gains traction remains to be seen, but it’s a step toward reining in what many see as excessive government spending.

History, however, isn’t on the side of reform—similar efforts to limit presidential pensions have flopped before. Notably, a comparable bill was vetoed by former President Obama in 2016, proving that curbing these benefits is easier said than done.

Balancing Fairness and Fiscal Responsibility

For conservatives, this isn’t about denying anyone a fair retirement—it’s about ensuring taxpayer dollars aren’t treated as a bottomless well. A pension surpassing a presidential salary sends the wrong message in an era of bloated budgets and progressive overreach.

While Biden’s lengthy service deserves recognition, the scale of this potential payout feels out of touch with the struggles of ordinary Americans. Shouldn’t retirement benefits reflect a sense of proportion, especially when funded by the public?

Ultimately, this story underscores a broader need for accountability in how government rewards its own. As congressional efforts to cap pensions unfold, taxpayers will be watching closely, hoping for a system that prioritizes fairness over excess.