12 of the biggest perks of being a US senator
Members of Congress can pull rank to receive priority for haircuts, flights, and even mail.
Every US Senator is granted a lifelong pension, which can be up to 80% of their annual salary. With the average senator's yearly pay at $174,000, this pension translates to a cool $139,200 over their retirement years. Should a senator pass away while in office, their family receives a death gratuity of $174,000, equivalent to one year's salary. It's noteworthy that this is more generous compared to military personnel, who receive a $100,000 payout in such cases.
Each senator is allotted an Official Personnel and Office Expense Account, or SOPOEA, for the operation of their office. This includes staff salaries, travel, and other expenses, funded by taxpayer dollars. Senators from the same state share the same allocation, determined by formula factors such as population, distance from DC, and mail allocations. Despite this, the funds range from $4,296,524 to $6,621,784 annually, averaging at $4,664,423.
During the 90 days following their departure from office, senators retain access to franking mail, a service that allows them to send official correspondence to constituents without incurring postage costs. The perk extends beyond Capitol Hill, with senators and Supreme Court justices enjoying free parking at DC-area airports like Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and Washington Dulles International Airport. This tradition can be traced back decades and offers a convenient perk for lawmakers.
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