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Long-Term Carers Contribution Periods
From Department of Social Protection
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Social Protection
Published on
Last updated on
Long-Term Carers Contribution Periods make it easier for a carer to qualify for the State Pension (Contributory) when they reach pension age. Any period in which you are registered as providing care to an incapacitated person can be included in your pay-related social insurance (PRSI) record.
It is important to note that Long-Term Carers Contributions can only be used for State Pension (Contributory) once you have reached a minimum of 1040 weeks (20 years).
If you have cared for someone full-time, you can apply for these contributions. You can be awarded a Long-Term Carers Contribution on your PRSI record for each week that you provided full-time care to an incapacitated person. These periods can only be used for State Pension (Contributory) once you have reached a minimum of 1040 weeks (20 years).
To qualify, you must:
The person being cared for must have a disability where they require:
and
There are no direct payments for periods when you are in receipt of Long-Term Carers Contributions. Once you have reached a minimum of 1040 weeks (20 years) of Long-Term Carers Contributions, they will be included in calculations for your State Pension (Contributory).
The quickest way to apply for Long-Term Carers Contributions is online at MyWelfare.ie. You must have a verified MyGovID account to use MyWelfare.ie.
Once you have reached a minimum of 1040 weeks (20 years) these periods will be included in calculations for your State Pension (Contributory).
You can request an application form by contacting us: