13 perks of being the vice president of the United States

Erin McDowellDec 9, 2020, 01:05 IST

Vice President-elect Kamala Harris will be able to enjoy a number of perks after being sworn in this coming January.Carolyn Kaster/AP Photos

Vice President-elect Kamala Harris is expected to be sworn in on January 20, 2021, and will then enjoy a number of perks exclusive to the vice president.
Every US vice president since 1977 has lived in Number One Observatory Circle, a Victorian mansion just a stone's throw away from the White House.
The vice president also earns a generous yearly salary of $235,100 per year.

While many people know the financial perks of being the president and the luxurious amenities of the White House, you might not realize there are also quite a few perks to being second-in-command.

From access to Air Force Two and being able to call the vice presidential residence home, there is a number of perks and benefits exclusive to the vice president.

Here are 13 perks of being the vice president.

Vice presidents receive a generous annual salary in addition to cost-of-living adjustments.

Vice President Mike Pence. Associated Press/Evan Vucci

They get to live in Number One Observatory Circle, a 9,150-square-foot Victorian mansion just a stone's throw away from the White House.

Number One Observatory Circle, the official residence of the vice president of the United States since 1974. Katherine Frey/The Washington Post via Getty Images

Vice presidents can redecorate the home as they choose.

Vice President George H.W. Bush answers a phone call in the Vice President's Residence. David Hume Kennerly/Getty Images

Vice presidents have access to Air Force Two.

Former Vice President Joe Biden and second lady Jill Biden exiting Air Force Two. Getty Images

They use military aircraft for official travel, which is also paid for by the government.

Vice President Mike Pence prepares to board a helicopter in South Korea. AHN YOUNG-JOON/AFP/Getty Images

They also have access to armored cars.

Vice President Mike Pence's limousine. Al Drago-Pool/Getty Images

After leaving office, vice presidents have temporary Secret Service protection.

Members of the US Secret Service. Alex Brandon/AP Photo

A staff of dozens of aides assist the vice president.

Vice President Mike Pence and other members of the coronavirus task force. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

If the president allows it, vice presidents may also enjoy the many amenities of the White House, like the movie theater, putting green, and bowling alley.

President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden on the White House putting green on April 24, 2009. Pete Souza/White House/Getty Images

At official White House functions, vice presidents enjoy food prepared by the executive chef and executive pastry chef.

Cristeta Comerford, the White House executive chef. Giorgio Perottino/Reuters

Vice presidents have the ability to break any tie votes in the Senate.

Vice President Mike Pence leaves a Senate policy luncheon after the Senate voted to confirm Betsy DeVos as education secretary. Mario Tama/Getty Images

Former vice presidents also receive a retirement income based on their role as president of the Senate.

Joe Biden and his wife, Jill Biden, at a sports game. Len Redkoles/NHLI/Getty Images

Perhaps most notably, all vice presidents could become president.

Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson being sworn in as president after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Bettmann/ Getty Images

Meet the rising stars making waves in commercial and residential real estate in 2020

Cookies on the Business Insider India website