WASHINGTON // A story widely shared online that claims president Barack Obama’s mother-in-law will receive a lifetime government pension is false.
The post published by The Boston Tribune, a satire website that mimics an actual news publication, is headlined “First Grandma Marian Robinson to Receive Lifetime $160K Government Pension.” It was relayed by a number of other conservative sites, portrayed as a credible news story.
The story refers to congressional budget statements, allegedly obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request, showing that Marian Robinson earned a US$160,000 (Dh587,680) lifetime pension for being a “full-time/in-home caregiver” for the president’s two daughters.
It does not provide evidence of the FOIA request or the budget documents, and ignores the fact that congress is not subject to the Freedom of Information Act.
Ms Robinson, the mother of first lady Michelle Obama, moved into the White House with the first family in 2009 and frequently looks after her granddaughters. She also joins the family when they travel and for other official appearances. Ms Robinson spent most of her life in Chicago, working as a bank secretary and a stay-at-home mother.
She has never been a federal employee and is not eligible for such retirement benefits.
The report claims that Ms Robinson “likely qualified for her lifetime pension under the ‘optional’ eligibility requirement for the Civil Service Retirement Act.” The act covers federal employees who entered government service before January 1, 1987. It was replaced by the Federal Employees Retirement System. Both of those plans require past or current employment by the federal government, meaning Ms Robinson would not qualify for their benefits.
The Former Presidents Act spells out the benefits awarded to ex-presidents and their families.
As of 2016, former presidents receive a pension of $205,700 and secret service protection. Their spouses and children (until age 16) also receive secret service protection. The widow of a president can receive $20,000 annually, as long as she declines other available pensions.
Other family members, including Ms Robinson, do not have official status and do not qualify for pensions.
* Associated Press
