Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 March 2013
313. Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Social Protection the benefits for persons signing for credits; if there are any plans to introduce a scheme whereby individuals can have the option of paying towards additional paid-up contributions in order to help them qualify for benefits such as old age contributory pension; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14728/13]
View answerPRSI credited contributions are an integral part of the social insurance system. For the most part they are linked to having an underlying entitlement to a social welfare payment while temporarily detached from the labour force or having entitlement to statutory leave e.g. parental or maternity leave. The primary purpose of PRSI credits is to secure social welfare benefits and pensions of employees by covering gaps in insurance where they are not in a position to pay PRSI such as during periods of unemployment, illness, etc.
The class at which a contributor paid his or her last PRSI contribution determines entitlement to credited contributions. Credits are usually awarded at the same rate as your last paid PRSI contribution. For example, Class A PRSI contributions may entitle a person to all insured DSP benefits, provided they satisfy the qualifying conditions.
Class B PRSI contributions may entitle a person to widow/er’s or surviving civil partner pension (contributory), Guardian payment (contributory), bereavement grant, carers benefit and limited occupational injuries benefits.
People who cease to be covered by compulsory social insurance, may opt to protect their existing long-term social insurance pension entitlements by becoming insured on a voluntary basis and paying voluntary contributions. Payment of voluntary contributions does not provide social insurance cover for short term benefits such as jobseeker’s benefit. A person who wishes to become a voluntary contributor must satisfy certain contribution conditions and must apply to become a voluntary contributor within 12 months after the end of the contribution year in which he/she was last compulsorily insured.
A person cannot be a voluntary contributor while also an employed contributor or in receipt of credited employment contributions.
