Social Security Checks: How Much Would Senator Lindsey Graham Get?
Written by
Caitlyn Moorhead
Edited by
Levi Leidy
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Republicans and Democrats have sparred over solutions regarding Social Security and Medicare for years, as the bureaucratic red tape of federal law is thick. One such advocate for Social Security change is Sen. Lindsey Graham, who has previously offered a stance that seniors should “take a little less” and “pay a little more,” as well as that the age of eligibility may have to be increased to address solvency issues.
As Graham is currently 69 and could collect Social Security benefits, if and how much he does could be seen as varying degrees of hypocrisy by some critics. You may be familiar with Graham’s thoughts about the program, but is it known whether or not he collects Social Security — and if so, how big his benefit payments are?
Does Senator Lindsey Graham Collect Social Security?
Although senators are required to file financial disclosure paperwork on an annual basis, it only provides the financial information in broad ranges, making it tough to determine precise figures. Given his staunch opposition to the current state of Social Security, one could reasonably assume that Graham has yet to collect Social Security. That assumption would be correct, according to his disclosures.
It has been reported that he and his sister relied on his parents’ Social Security benefits after they passed away in the late 1970s. A look at his financial disclosures for these years shows plenty of mutual fund and bank deposit assets, but no Social Security claims or other reportable earned and non-investment income.
After serving as a U.S. Air Force defense attorney and prosecutor, then practicing law in South Carolina, Graham was elected to the House of Representatives in 1995. He served four terms before running for the Senate seat that had been occupied by Strom Thurmond in 2002 and has served as the senior U.S. senator from South Carolina since 2003. This gives him both political clout and high earning potential.
It’s possible that Graham has simply chosen to not draw benefits yet, though he could’ve when he turned 62. Perhaps he is waiting until later this year when he turns 70 to maximize his monthly benefit, which would most likely amount to the maximum (which is $5,108 in 2025) due to his net worth.
Graham’s Net Worth
Graham may be a controversial political figure, but that doesn’t seem to affect his finances overall. Here are a few key takeaways about his wealth and how he builds it:
- Estimated net worth: $2 million
- Current senator salary: $174,000 per year
- According to his self-released tax returns, he earned a total of $2.1 million in income between 2008 and 2019.
- Estimated Social Security check (if claimed): $5,108, as he has worked at least 35 years at maximum earnings, and if he waits to claim his benefits until he turns 70 on July 9, 2025.
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