What does the cryptic crossword clue "Money paid out to former US vice-president, we’re told (7)" mean?

The wordplay uses a homophone (sounds like). EX (former) PENSE (sounds like – we’re told – (Mike) Pence, US vice-president) The answer is EXPENSE.

Money paid out to former US vice-president, we’re told (7)

Guardian Cryptic #29513 | 17 Down | 2024-10-14 flower