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State Pension (Contributory)
From Department of Social Protection
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State Pension (Contributory) is a payment which you may qualify for when you reach a certain age and if you have enough Irish social insurance contributions.
The age at which you can receive the State Pension (Contributory) is 66 years of age.
This pension is based on your social insurance (PRSI) contributions. It is not means tested, so payment you receive is not affected by other income you may have, such as an occupational pension.
If you qualify for this pension, you can continue to work full-time after you reach the qualifying age. This pension is taxable but you are unlikely to pay tax if it is your only income.
As the social insurance conditions are very complex you should apply for a State Pension (Contributory) if you have ever worked in Ireland and have any social insurance contributions paid at any time.
To qualify for the State Pension (Contributory), you must meet both of the following conditions:
- you must have entered insurable employment before you turn 56 years old
- you must have at least 520 full-rate social insurance (PRSI) contributions paid since entering into insurable employment. (If you turned 66 before 6 April 2012, you need 260 paid full-rate contributions)
The department will assess your entitlement to State Pension (Contributory) based on the conditions that apply on the date you reach pension age.
Full Rate Employment social insurance (PRSI) contributions are contributions at Class A. These contributions are counted as full-rate contributions for State Pension (Contributory) purposes. Prior to the introduction of Class A contributions in 1979, full rate employment contributions were referred to as Ordinary contributions.
The department will work out your entitlement to state pension contributory from the date your first contribution was paid (the date you first entered insurable employment).
Self-employed rate social insurance (PRSI) contributions are contributions at Class S. These contributions are counted as full-rate contributions for State Pension (Contributory) purposes. Social insurance (PRSI) contributions for self-employed people were introduced on 6 April 1988.
If you were self-employed and started paying Class S contributions on 6 April 1988 , the department may work out your entitlement to State Pension (Contributory) based on your social insurance (PRSI) record from that date.
The department will do this if it works out better for you when calculating your entitlement and you satisfy the other conditions for State Pension (Contributory).
If you started paying Class S social insurance (PRSI) contributions after 6 April 1988 , the department will work out your entitlement from the date your first contribution was paid (the date you first entered insurable employment).
You can request a copy of your social insurance (PRSI) record online at MyWelfare.ie
To access services on MyWelfare.ie, you need a verified MyGovID account.
You can use any social insurance (PRSI) contributions you may have paid in a country covered by EC Regulations, or a country with which Ireland has a bilateral Social Security Agreement to satisfy the 520 (260) paid contributions requirement for a pro rata pension (a proportionate pension).
If you live or plan to live outside the State, the department can pay your pension directly to your account in a financial institution in Ireland or in the country you choose to live in.
The rate of payment you receive will reflect the number of social insurance (PRSI) contributions you have on your social insurance record, once you satisfy the minimum qualification criteria. Time spent out of the work force, whether because of unemployment, illness, or other eligible activity, can assist in qualifying for a higher rate of payment.
Time spent working or living in various countries can also assist you to qualify for a State Pension (Contributory) if you might not otherwise qualify on your Irish social insurance record alone.
Your payment is made up of a personal rate plus any increase or allowances which you may be due.
The increases or allowances which may be due to you are:
- an Increase for a Qualified Adult (this is means tested)
- an Increase for a Qualified Child (this is means tested)
- a Living Alone Increase
- an Age 80 Allowance (A higher rate of pension is payable to a pensioner aged 80 or over. The increase is paid automatically - there is no need to apply)
- a Fuel Allowance (this is means tested)
- a Telephone Support Allowance
- an Increase for Living on a Specified Island
The calculation of your rate of pension will depend on whether you have been assessed using a Yearly Average method or Aggregated Contributions Method – refer to the State Pension (Contributory) Rates page for more details.
The maximum personal weekly rate of payment a person can receive is set out below
| Yearly contribution average | Aggregated contributions method | Rate of weekly payment from 7 January 2022 |
| 48 contributions or more | 2,080 contributions or more | €253.30 (aged 66 and under 80) |
| 48 contributions or more | 2,080 contributions or more | €263.30 (aged 80 and over) |
It is recommended to apply for the State Pension (Contributory) three months before you turn 66. If you have paid social insurance contributions in more than one country, you should apply 6 months before reaching 66.
To apply, please fill in the application form at the bottom of this page.
You can also get this form from your local:
Please send your completed form and supporting documentation to:
State Pension (Contributory) Section
Address:
Social Welfare Services, Department of Social Protection, College Road, Sligo, Co. Sligo, F91 T384
Website:
Email:
Phone number:
State Pension (Contributory) application form for: Increase for Qualified Adult (SPCQA1)
Application form to apply for increase for a qualified adult. (State Pension Contributory)
DownloadOperational guidelines describe the processes and procedures that staff in the department follow when carrying out their work.
