Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 February 2024
308. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person on farm assist can make paid contributions towards their pension before the age of 66 years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4789/24]
View answerThe Farm Assist scheme was introduced in 1999 to provide income support for low income farmers. It replaced the former Smallholders’ Unemployment Assistance payment. In line with the then pre-existing arrangements for Unemployment Assistance (including Smallholders), any income from self-employment was exempt from the Class S social insurance charge applied to self-employed workers, regardless of the level of such income.
This exemption was abolished in 2007. Since 1st January 2007, those persons receiving Farm Assist are liable to pay a self-employed Class S social insurance contribution on their annual self-employed income, provided it is €5,000 or more. Once qualifying conditions are met, these contributions entitle such persons to a number of social insurance benefits, most notably the State Pension (Contributory).
For those earning below €5,000 per annum, the voluntary contribution scheme may be available to them, depending on meeting the qualifying criteria. This scheme gives an opportunity to persons who were, but are no longer, compulsorily insured under the social insurance system, to pay contributions directly to my Department. Voluntary contributions ensure continuity of social insurance for pension purposes during periods where former contributors are no longer insured as employed or self-employed persons, nor are they in receipt of credited employment contributions.
The scheme’s main entry criteria require applicants to apply within 5 years of the end of the contribution year in which they last paid contributions or had credits on their record, and to have at least 520 social insurance contributions paid from either employment or self-employment.
My Department publishes information that is widely available relating to PRSI contributions, social insurance benefits and scheme details. This can be found on gov.ie or on the citizens information website. Persons seeking further information can also visit our network of Intreo centres around the country.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
