Does Former President Trump Receive Social Security? The Truth Revealed!

For most retirees, Social Security is an important source of income. The average monthly benefit for a retired worker in early 2025 was $1,975.34.

A survey by Gallup in April 2024 found that 88% of retirees rely on Social Security to cover their expenses.

Additionally, estimates from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities revealed that Social Security lifted 22 million people above the poverty line in 2023.

Out of these, 16.31 million were adults aged 65 and older.

To receive Social Security benefits, an American citizen needs 40 lifetime work credits. A maximum of four credits can be earned per year.

Anyone who meets this requirement and is at least 62 years old is eligible for Social Security payments—including former President Donald Trump.

Does Donald Trump Receive Social Security?

Tax filings are usually private, but many U.S. presidents and candidates have traditionally released their federal tax returns.

This practice began with President Richard Nixon and continued for decades. However, Donald Trump did not voluntarily release his tax returns during his presidency.

In December 2022, the House Ways and Means Committee released Trump’s tax returns from 2015 to 2020. These documents showed that he did not claim any Social Security benefits.

This means that although Trump qualifies for a monthly Social Security check, he has chosen not to collect it.

The Bidens Receive Social Security Benefits

Unlike Trump, former President Joe Biden and his wife, Dr. Jill Biden, receive Social Security benefits.

Their 2023 tax filings show they collected $64,254 in total benefits, averaging about $5,354 per month.

Joe Biden received $42,842, while Jill Biden received $21,412.

The difference suggests that Jill Biden is receiving spousal benefits, which typically amount to about half of a spouse’s benefit.

Social Security Benefits Are Capped for High Earners

Even if Trump decides to claim Social Security in the future, his monthly benefits would be capped due to his high income. Social Security payments are calculated based on four factors:

• Full Retirement Age: The age when a person qualifies for 100% of their benefit.
• Claiming Age: Claiming benefits earlier results in smaller payments, while waiting until age 70 increases the benefit.
• Work History: The Social Security Administration (SSA) considers the 35 highest-earning years when calculating benefits.
• Earnings History: There is an annual earnings cap that limits the taxable income used for Social Security calculations.

Since both Trump and Biden have had high earnings for decades, their Social Security benefits are capped at the maximum allowed. In 2025, the highest monthly Social Security benefit at full retirement age is $4,018.

Social Security Benefits Are Subject to Taxes

If Trump eventually claims Social Security, he would also have to pay taxes on it. Social Security benefits became taxable in 1984 due to reforms meant to keep the program financially stable. The taxation thresholds are:

• Up to 50% of benefits are taxable for individuals with provisional income over $25,000 and couples earning over $32,000.
• Up to 85% of benefits are taxable for individuals earning over $34,000 and couples earning over $44,000.

These income limits were never adjusted for inflation, meaning more retirees pay taxes on their benefits every year. In 2023, the Bidens had $54,616 of their $64,254 in Social Security benefits subject to taxation.

Trump has expressed interest in eliminating taxes on Social Security benefits. However, if he were to collect Social Security, he would also be required to pay taxes on his benefits based on his income level.

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Conclusion

Donald Trump is eligible for Social Security benefits but has not claimed them. Meanwhile, Joe and Jill Biden receive monthly Social Security payments.

If Trump eventually applies for benefits, his payments would be capped at $4,018 per month due to earnings limits.

Additionally, like most high-income retirees, he would have to pay taxes on his Social Security income. This highlights the impact of Social Security rules on even the wealthiest Americans.

Reference

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