Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 February 2021
560. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Social Protection if persons currently aged 65 years who did not earn enough to pay PRSI in 2019 and who did not receive State benefits in 2019 will be eligible for the newly announced benefit payment for 65 year olds; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9486/21]
View answerBenefit Payment for 65 Year Olds is a payment for people aged 65 who have ceased employment or self-employment and who satisfy the pay-related social insurance (PRSI) contribution conditions.
To qualify, a customer must have paid at least 104 PRSI insurable employment contributions at Class A, H or P
OR
have paid at least 156 PRSI self-employment contributions at Class S
AND
have paid at least 39 PRSI contributions at Class A, H or P or have credited contributions in the governing contribution year, at least 13 of these contributions must be paid from employment in the governing contribution year, or in the two tax years before this, the last tax year or the current year.
OR
26 PRSI employment contributions paid in the governing contribution year and 26 paid in the year immediately before this.
A self-employed customer must have paid at least 156 PRSI self-employment contributions at Class S
OR
have paid at least 104 PRSI insurable employment contributions at Class A or H
AND
have paid 52 PRSI self-employment contributions at Class S in the governing contribution year.
The best way to check entitlement in the case of any individual is to make an application for the Benefit.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
