Most Americans wonder if their leaders especially their presidents pay into Social Security and collect their benefits while in retirement like normal citizens. President Donald Trump and former President Joe Biden have reached the age where most Americans collect Social Security, but their financial records indicate key differences in how they handle these payments.
While Biden has received Social Security benefits for years, Trump has not taken any despite being eligible. Here are details from tax returns, official records like Tax History Project and news sources like Kiplinger that shed light on who collecting what and what it means to millions of retirees who have been wondering.
Is Trump Getting Social Security?
In June 2025, President Donald Trump turned 79, meaning that he has been eligible for Social Security benefits for years since most people start collecting at age 62 or until full retirement age to get bigger monthly checks. Still, Trump could qualify for the maximum amount by waiting until 70.
However, his tax return showed no Social Security income at all, even though he and Melania Trump reported millions in tax overpayments and earnings. This indicates that he does not collect Social Security despite being eligible.
Biden Has Been Collecting Social Security Benefits Since 2008
Unlike Trump, Joe Biden has been collecting Social Security for over 15 years since he became eligible in 2008. It is reported that in that year, he received $6,534 in benefits. As of 2023, Biden and his wife have reported $64,254 in Social Security income.
According to their tax returns since 1998, it is clear that the Bidens have consistently received benefits. Biden, who is now 82, continues to receive monthly Social Security payments as a retired federal worker and senior citizen.
Clintons Did Not Collect Early On
Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton also became eligible in 2008 and 2009, respectively. However, their tax returns showed no Social Security income even though they were both past full retirement age. While it is possible they began collecting benefits after 2015, the last available public records indicate that they did not claim Social Security benefits during those years.
Reagan and Bush Did Not Receive Benefits Publicly
Although both Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush were eligible for Social Security during and after their presidential tenures, their released tax returns show no record of Social Security payments.
It is worth noting that Social Security income was not taxed before 1984, so earlier returns would not show these payments anyway. However, based on the available records, neither Reagan nor Bush received benefits during the years that can be confirmed.
Presidents Must Pay Into Social Security
Before 1984, presidents and members of Congress did not pay into Social Security, but that changed after a law was passed in 1983. Since then, all presidents have had to pay into Social Security and be eligible to collect their benefits after retirement, just like any other American who worked a full-time job.
Social Security is a Top Voter Issue
In the 2024 election, over 72% of voters aged 65 and older participated. This makes Social Security one of the biggest political issues for presidential candidates. Since so many retirees depend on their Social Security monthly checks, changes to Social Security are hot topics that cannot be ignored.
Anytime a presidential candidate is campaigning, older voters are always keen to know if their future benefits are safe and what leaders are doing about it.
Conclusion
So, presidents are eligible for Social Security just like any other American. Although some did not receive or any into Social Security as per the available public records, others like Biden received their benefits while in retirement.
Social Security affects everyone, including U.S. presidents. As the system faces financial uncertainty, voters are very keen. It is essential to stay informed about changes that could affect Social Security, whether you are retired or still working.