Even Without Special Retirement Since 1988, Former Presidents of Brazil Continue to Generate High Costs with Security, Transportation, and Support Paid with Public Money
Brazil has not granted special retirement to former presidents since the 1988 Constitution. Nevertheless, the country still spends millions of reais each year on those who have held the highest office in the Executive. The amounts mainly involve expenses with security, transportation, and support services.
Rights Guaranteed by Law
The benefits are supported by Law No. 7474 of 1986. According to the text, former presidents are entitled to four servants, who work in security and personal support. They can also use two official vehicles with drivers, all paid for with public funds.
These rights result in significant expenses. In 2024, by November, the total spent on living former presidents had already exceeded R$ 7.7 million. This information is available on the Open Data portal of the Presidency of the Republic.
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Who Receives the Benefits Currently
Six former presidents currently receive the benefits: Dilma Rousseff, Fernando Collor, Fernando Henrique Cardoso, Jair Bolsonaro, José Sarney, and Michel Temer. They all enjoy what the legislation provides, including airfare, accommodations, vehicle maintenance, telecommunication, and bonuses.
Accumulated Expenses Over the Years
The data show that between 2021 and 2024, the total expenditure on Brazilian former presidents was over R$ 30 million. During the period from 2021 to 2022, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva also appeared on the list as a former president, while the expenses with Jair Bolsonaro were not yet accounted for.
Benefits Cannot Be Cut by Political Decision
Despite the costs, the President of the Republic cannot cut the benefits of their predecessors or political opponents. Even during Jair Bolsonaro’s government, for example, the amounts paid to Lula were maintained normally.
In 2021, expenses with the current president amounted to R$ 1,163,461.90. In 2022, the amount increased to R$ 1,798,652.45.
Who Generated the Most Expenses in 2024
Currently, the leader of the spending list in 2024 is Fernando Collor. The former president, who governed the country from 1990 to 1992 and left office after being impeached, has cost R$ 1,648,154.93 to the public coffers so far.
Dilma Rousseff follows closely, with R$ 1,648,013.44. Jair Bolsonaro is next, with R$ 1,540,795.50. Michel Temer had expenses of R$ 1,210,637.50, while José Sarney consumed R$ 962,400.81.
Fernando Henrique Cardoso Had the Least Cost
The former president who generated the least expenses in 2024 was Fernando Henrique Cardoso. Between January and November, he had expenses of R$ 673,397.59. FHC presided over the country from 1995 to 2002 and was responsible for creating the Real Plan.
Recurring Cost for Public Coffers
These figures help to understand how Brazil, even without presidential retirement, still maintains a permanent support structure for former officeholders — a cost that remains recurring year after year.
With information from Terra.

Muito ” justo ‘, esses senhores receber tão ‘singela”ajuda de custo pela inestimável contribuição sócio econômica q deixaram ao povo brasileiro….eu na minha humilde condição de ter uma ileostomia definitiva e vinte oito quilos… sigo com minha pensão…. pensando no tal merecimento…!
Sabe o nome que se dá a esses pagamento de ex-presidentes: Fome, Doença e Educação da população do “grande BRASIL”, poderiamos mudar isto através do voto, mais continuamos sem saber votar e com medo destes exs tratando-os como DEUS, então INFERNO para ELES