What Are Your State Pension Entitlements?

sfs — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 22:05:28 +0000

The State Pension (Contributory) is paid to people from the age of 66 who have enough Irish social insurance contributions. It is not means-tested. You can have other income and still get a State Pension (Contributory). 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 and have any contributions (stamps) paid at any time. There are a number of pro-rata pensions available to people who paid different types of social insurance contributions or who did not pay contributions because of various reasons (see below). Changes are proposed to the current system in 2020 (see below).

If you retire early, you should ensure that you continue to pay PRSI contributions or get credited contributions to maintain your entitlement to a pension.

The Social Welfare Law Reform and Pensions Act 2006 changed the name of the Old Age Contributory Pension to State Pension (Contributory). The new name came into effect on 29 September, 2006.

Budget 2012
It was announced in Budget 2012 that there will be some changes to contributory State pensions. These changes require legislation and are not yet in effect.

Currently a person with an average of 20-47 PRSI contributions per year over their working life receives a weekly State Pension of €4.50 less than a person with a yearly average of 48 or more PRSI contributions. A lower pension will be payable to new applicants for State Pension who have a yearly average of less than 48 PRSI contributions. These changes will only apply to to new claimants from September 2012.