Approximately how much is the annual pension paid to former U.S. presidents?

Under the Former Presidents Act of 1958, former U.S. presidents receive a lifetime annual pension equal to the pay of the head of an executive department, commonly held by Cabinet secretaries. As of 2026, that pension is approximately $253,100 per year. Former presidents may also receive funding for office staff, travel, office space, and other official expenses, while lifetime protection is provided separately by the U.S. Secret Service. The law was enacted to ensure that former presidents could maintain a dignified public role after leaving office without financial hardship.