Does Trump Collect Social Security Benefits?

Understanding Social Security Benefits for Politicians

President Donald Trump celebrated his 79th birthday in June, which means he has been eligible to claim reduced Social Security benefits since 2008 when he turned 62. Born in 1946, his full retirement age (FRA) was 66, a milestone he reached in 2012. That same year, he launched his first bid for the presidency in 2016, and by the time he turned 70, he would have been eligible to claim his maximum benefit by earning delayed retirement credits.

However, according to his most recently available tax return, for the 2020 tax year, he does not claim Social Security benefits. The first lady won’t be eligible to claim Social Security until 2037 when she turns 62. This lack of transparency is common among many politicians, as no one in any of the three branches of government — judicial, executive, or legislative — is required to release their 1040s.

Financial Disclosure Forms and Social Security Benefits

While they do have to file financial disclosure forms, these documents don’t reveal if the filer had reported Social Security benefits that were taxable or not. Historic returns that are available don’t provide much information either, as benefits only became taxable in 1984 after the passage of the 1983 Amendments to the Social Security Act. Without the taxation of benefits, there is no track record to follow.

It’s also important to note that presidents pay Social Security taxes on their income starting in 1984. The Social Security Act in 1983 brought members of Congress, the president and vice president, federal judges, and most political appointees under the Social Security program. This means that the wages paid to Presidents Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama, Donald Trump, and Joe Biden were subject to FICA taxes.

Presidential Tax Returns and Social Security Claims

My best resource for presidential tax return records was the Tax Analyst’s Tax History Project, which includes presidential tax returns going back to Woodrow Wilson. Let’s take a look at which politicians claim Social Security benefits.

President Donald Trump and Melania Trump

As of 2020, neither Donald nor Melania Trump claimed Social Security benefits. Trump did not release his tax returns; however, his tax returns from 2015 through 2020 were released by the House Ways and Means Committee. While none of these returns show any Social Security income, they do provide other information. On their 2020 federal tax return, both Trumps checked "Yes" to add $3 to the Presidential Election Campaign fund. They showed $915,171 in itemized deductions and $13,468,593 in tax overpayments.

Joe and Jill Biden

Joe and Jill Biden have claimed benefits since 2008. Before running for the Senate in 1972, former President Biden worked at a few law firms, started one of his own, and managed properties on the side. As of 2023, the couple reported $64,254 in Social Security income. Their tax returns from 1998 through 2023 are available for review.

The Bushes and the Obamas

George W. Bush and Barack Obama were too young to collect Social Security benefits for the majority of their time in office. George W. Bush left office at age 62, and while it's possible he began claiming benefits in 2008, the last tax return on record is for 2007. Similarly, Barack Obama and Michelle Obama are still too young to collect reduced benefits. However, Barack Obama became eligible for reduced benefits in 2023 when he celebrated his 62nd birthday.

Hillary and Bill Clinton

Hillary Clinton was the first lady from 1993 to 2001. As of 2015, neither Hillary nor Bill Clinton collected Social Security benefits. Their joint tax returns from 2008 through 2015 show no Social Security income.

George H.W. and Barbara Bush

George H.W. Bush became eligible to start receiving reduced benefits at age 62 in 1986. However, the available tax returns from 1989, 1990, and 1991 show no Social Security income.

Ronald and Nancy Reagan

Ronald Reagan could have begun claiming Social Security benefits in 1973 at age 62. His full retirement age was 65, which he hit in 1976. However, the relevant tax returns from 1985, 1986, and 1987 show no Social Security income.

The Future of Social Security

Social Security has often been called the "third rail of politics" because attempts to tinker with benefits have been met with immediate and vocal pushback. Older Americans vote in larger numbers than any other group, making them a powerful voting bloc. In 2024, 72.1% of those ages 65 to 75 and 71.2% of those age 75 and older voted, according to the Census Bureau.

The Social Security and Medicare trust funds are on track to become insolvent in the next decade. If nothing changes, Social Security’s Old-Age & Survivors Insurance (OASI) Trust Fund will be depleted by 2033, at which point benefits would be reduced by 23%. It’s estimated that future beneficiaries will need to save almost $150,000 to make up the shortfall if benefits are reduced.