Vol. 462 No. 1
30 Mr. Ellis asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will inform all applicants for pre-retirement allowance that they will not be entitled to credited contributions on an annual basis from the time of their application until they reach their entitlements at 65. [17100/95]
In general, a person who transfers to pre-retirement allowance (PRETA) and who was entitled to credited contributions while in receipt of unemployment assistance continues to be so entitled while on PRETA.
However, circumstances do arise where people who become entitled to PRETA do not qualify for such credited contributions. This happens where a person has previously had no PRSI contributions paid or credited for two complete consecutive contribution years. In such an instance credits cannot be awarded until the person returns to work and pays PRSI contributions for at least 26 weeks.
Arrangements are being made to ensure that in such circumstances people will be advised appropriately of their credit position on transferring to PRETA.
