The Vice President receives a pension after leaving office, but only if they served at least two years and are no longer in that role

A former Vice President is may have access to to a federal pension under the Former Presidents Act, passed in 1958. The pension is not automatic — it requires the former Vice President to have completed at least two years of service in the office. Once that threshold is met, the pension begins the month after they leave office and continues for life.

The amount is set by law and adjusted annually for inflation. As of recent years, the pension has been in the range of $240,000 to $250,000 per year, though this figure changes each January. The former Vice President also receives other benefits under the same law, including a staff allowance, office space, and Secret Service protection for ten years after leaving office.

Key Takeaways

  • A former Vice President must have served at least two years to receive a pension; those who served less than two years receive no pension.
  • The pension is a fixed annual amount set by Congress and adjusted each year for inflation, not based on salary or length of service beyond the two-year minimum.
  • The pension begins the month after the Vice President leaves office and continues for life, regardless of whether they hold other federal positions later.
  • The Former Presidents Act also provides office space, staff funding, and Secret Service protection, which are separate from the pension itself.

How the two-year service requirement works

The two-year threshold is straightforward: if a Vice President completes two full years in office, they are may have access to to the pension. If they leave before that mark — whether by resignation, death, or removal — they receive no pension at all.

This rule has affected Vice Presidents who served partial terms. For example, a Vice President who takes office partway through a presidential term and then loses the next election may fall short of two years. The clock starts on Inauguration Day and runs until the Vice President leaves office, whether that is at the end of a term or earlier.

The pension amount and how it is adjusted

Congress sets the pension amount, and it does not vary based on how long the Vice President served (as long as the two-year minimum was met). The law treats all former Vice Presidents the same: they receive the same annual pension, regardless of whether they served two years or eight years.

Each January, the pension is adjusted upward to match the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) that applies to Social Security. This means the pension grows slightly each year to keep pace with inflation, but the base amount itself is determined by Congress through legislation, not by a formula tied to salary or service length.

What happens if a former Vice President takes another federal job

A former Vice President can hold other federal positions — such as a Senate seat, Cabinet role, or ambassadorship — without losing the pension. The pension continues to be paid alongside any salary from the new position. There is no rule that stops a former Vice President from collecting both.

However, if a former Vice President is elected or appointed to the presidency, the situation changes. A sitting President does not receive the Vice President's pension; instead, they receive the presidential pension, which is a separate and typically larger benefit. Once they leave the presidency, they would then be may have access to to the presidential pension for life.

Other benefits included in the Former Presidents Act

The pension is one part of a larger package. Former Vice Presidents also receive an annual allowance to maintain an office and staff, typically in the range of $100,000 to $150,000 per year. They are provided office space, usually in a federal building, and can use government resources to manage correspondence and official duties.

Secret Service protection is provided for ten years after leaving office. This protection is separate from the pension and is managed by the Department of Homeland Security. After the ten-year period ends, a former Vice President can request continued protection, but it is not automatic.

How the pension compares to other federal retirement benefits

The Vice President's pension is different from the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) that covers most federal workers. FERS pensions are based on salary, years of service, and age at retirement. The Vice President's pension, by contrast, is a fixed amount set by law.

A Vice President who served in other federal positions before or after the vice presidency may also be may have access to to a FERS pension based on that service. These two pensions are separate and can both be paid. The Vice President's pension does not replace or reduce any FERS benefit the person may have earned.

What happens if a Vice President dies before receiving the pension

If a Vice President dies in office or before the pension begins, no pension is paid to their estate or family members. The pension is personal to the former Vice President and does not transfer to a spouse or children. However, if a Vice President dies after the pension has begun, any payments made in the month of death are paid to the estate.

A surviving spouse does not automatically receive the pension after the Vice President's death. This is different from some federal retirement systems, which offer survivor benefits. The Vice President's pension under the Former Presidents Act ends when the former Vice President dies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Vice Presidents who resign before two years get any pension?

No. The two-year service requirement is absolute. A Vice President who resigns, is removed, or dies before completing two years receives no pension under the Former Presidents Act. They may be may have access to to other federal benefits if they worked in other positions, but not the Vice President's pension.

Can a former Vice President refuse the pension?

Yes, though it is rare. A former Vice President can decline the pension, though doing so does not affect may be able to access for other benefits like office space or Secret Service protection. Once declined, the pension cannot be claimed later.

Is the Vice President's pension taxable income?

Yes. The pension is treated as ordinary income for federal tax purposes. A former Vice President must report it on their tax return and pay income tax on the full amount, just as they would with any other pension or salary.

What if a Vice President becomes President later — do they get both pensions?

No. A sitting President receives the presidential pension, not the Vice President's pension. If that person later leaves the presidency, they receive the presidential pension for life. They do not collect both pensions at the same time.