Why Biden's Social Security Benefits Stand Out: A Look at His Retirement Income

When Joe Biden transitioned from public office to retirement, he became eligible for Social Security benefits just like millions of Americans. However, his monthly check tells a compelling story about how decades of government service translate into retirement income. Unlike many public figures who decline to disclose their earnings, Biden’s publicly available tax returns provide a clear window into his actual Social Security payments.

The Career Path That Built His Benefits

Biden’s Social Security entitlement stems from a lengthy career spanning multiple government positions. His journey began in 1972 when he was elected to the U.S. Senate at an annual salary of $42,500—equivalent to over $333,000 in today’s dollars. Throughout his Senate tenure, his compensation grew incrementally, reaching $89,500 by 1987 as he gained seniority and influence.

His career trajectory continued through subsequent positions: he returned to the Senate from 1990 to 2007 with a final salary of $165,200, then served eight years as Vice President followed by four years as President. Each position contributed to his Social Security credits and benefit calculation, ultimately resulting in higher retirement income than the average American.

Biden’s Actual Social Security Income

According to his 2023 joint federal tax return filed with Dr. Jill Biden, the former president received $42,842 in Social Security income that year. This translates to approximately $3,570 per month—a figure that significantly exceeds the national average for retired workers.

His wife, Dr. Jill Biden, received $21,412 in Social Security income during 2023, or roughly $1,784 monthly. This amount is notably close to exactly half of Biden’s benefit, reflecting her eligibility for spousal benefits, which are capped at 50% of a spouse’s full retirement amount according to Social Security Administration regulations.

Biden initially began collecting reduced Social Security benefits in 2008 ($6,534 annually) and transitioned to full benefits starting in 2009 ($27,923 annually). The steady growth from those early years to his 2023 amount demonstrates how retirement income compounds once someone reaches full retirement age.

How Biden’s Benefits Compare to Other Americans

To understand the significance of Biden’s Social Security income, it’s important to see where he stands relative to the broader population. According to the Social Security Administration’s most recent data from mid-2025, the average monthly benefit for retired workers was $2,005.05.

Biden’s monthly Social Security check of $3,570 is approximately 78% higher than this national average. This substantial difference isn’t unusual for former high-income earners—Social Security benefits are calculated based on lifetime earnings, so individuals who earned significantly more during their working years receive proportionally larger retirement checks.

The Social Security system is designed so that benefits reflect a worker’s contribution history. Biden’s decades-long career with steadily increasing compensation in the Senate, combined with additional government service as Vice President and President, created an earning record that generated above-average retirement benefits. His situation illustrates how career longevity and higher income during working years directly influence Social Security payments in retirement.