Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 April 2024
484. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person who is self-employed and has made sufficient contributions to qualify for a State pension (contributory) when reaching 66 years of age, could retire from their occupation at 65 years and claim jobseeker's benefit for the year before reaching 66 years in the same way as other workers can under present legislation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16539/24]
View answerThe Benefit Payment for 65-Year-Olds was introduced in line with the Programme for Government commitment to address the position of people who are required to or choose to retire at age 65 before the State pension age of 66. The payment is designed to bridge the gap for people who retire from employment or self-employment at age 65 until they qualify for the State Pension at age 66.
The Benefit Payment for 65-Years-Olds is available to employees and the self-employed and is provided for under the Jobseeker’s Benefit and Jobseeker’s Benefit (Self-Employed) schemes under Sections 62 to 68 of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 (as amended).
To be eligible for the payment a person must satisfy the qualifying conditions of the scheme including the relevant PRSI social insurance contribution requirements. A self-employed person must have paid at least 156 PRSI contributions at Class S or have paid at least 104 PRSI contributions at Class A or H and have paid 52 PRSI self-employment contributions at Class S in the Governing Contribution Year, which is 2 years prior to the date of the application.
If the Deputy has a particular case, they are advised to forward the details to the Department so that the circumstances can be examined.
I trust that clarifies the position for the Deputy.
