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Pension Provisions

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 February 2022

Tuesday, 8 February 2022

Questions (462)

Michael Creed

Question:

462. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social Protection the pension entitlement of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6173/22]

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Written answers

Entitlement to State pension (contributory) can only be assessed on the basis of the eligibility conditions applicable on the date an individual reaches pension age, upon receipt of a duly completed application. The person concerned was born in 1959 and has therefore not reached current pension age.

Under current eligibility conditions, an individual must have 520 full-rate paid contributions in order to qualify for standard State pension (contributory). 520 full-rate contributions equate to 10 years of full-rate insurable employment.

Factors such as an individual’s social insurance record, their attachment to the workforce, and their countries of employment affect the rate of pension entitlement. Self-employed contributors shall not be regarded as satisfying the qualifying conditions for State pension (contributory) unless and until all outstanding self-employment contributions are paid.

A person employed in the public sector as a permanent member of staff prior to the 6th of April 1995 would have paid a modified or reduced rate of PRSI. This reduced PRSI rate conveys entitlement only to Widow (er)'s and Orphan's Contributory Pensions and limited Occupational Injuries Benefits but is not reckonable for State pension (contributory) purposes, therefore not included in the calculation of a standard State pension (contributory).

However, modified contributions can be combined with full-rate contributions and credits to give an entitlement to a mixed insurance pro rata State pension (contributory). In order to be eligible for this pension an applicant must have 260 full-rate paid contributions.

A contributor who has not yet reached pension age is best advised to maintain their social insurance record as fully as possible over their working life. In the event that a person ceases insurable employment before reaching State pension age, they may wish to consider payment of voluntary contributions. Information about voluntary contributions, including eligibility conditions, is available by writing to Voluntary Contributions Section, Department of Social Protection, Cork Road, Waterford or volcons@welfare.ie.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.

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