The U.S. Constitution, in Article I, Section 6, allows for the payment of  Members of Congress “ascertained by law, and paid out of the Treasury of the United States.” Currently, Members’ salary is $174,000 annually.



Members of Congress do not have full salary retirement, no matter their length of service. Congressional pensions are financed through a combination of employee and employer contributions. They are eligible for a pension at age 62 if they have completed at least five years of service. Members are eligible for a pension at age 50 if they have completed 20 years of service, or at any age after completing 25 years of service.



Members of Congress can have the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program and pay the same premiums and co-pays applicable to their plan as all other federal employees do.