It’s nowhere near what the average corporate CEO earns, but the annual salary of the president of the United States may be the envy of most Americans: $400,000.
That number does not include lodging at the White House, travel on Air Force One, living allowances, entertainment, staff and much more.
When a president leaves office, the checks and other benefits continue.
Here’s a look at some of those benefits, and how they came about.
What benefits do all former presidents get?
The Former Presidents Acts of 1958 provides for a pension and several other benefits. All presidents receive money for office space, equipment, staff, travel, entertainment and supplies.
If they were enrolled in the Federal Employees Health Benefits program for at least five years, former presidents get the same health benefits as other former government workers.
Ironically, former President Carter, America’s longest-living former president, was not eligible for that program since he was president for only four years and held no other federal government post.
One-term former President George H.W. Bush, who was vice president for eight years, as well as serving in Congress and as an ambassador, was........