Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 9: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the steps she will take to encourage persons to sign up for credited contributions. [36261/11]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Social insurance credits are awarded in circumstances such as unemployment and illness, and their purpose is to protect the social insurance entitlements of insured persons during periods when they may not be in a position to pay contributions. Credits may be awarded for periods when an insured person is receiving one of a range of benefits or allowances, including jobseeker's benefit or allowance, illness benefit, disability allowance, or carer's benefit or allowance.

If a person is unemployed and does not qualify for a jobseeker's payment, he/she may qualify to sign on for credits at his/her local social welfare office to maintain the insurance record and preserve future social welfare entitlements. In addition, people who apply for Illness Benefit but do not qualify for payment, may be entitled to credited contributions. In these circumstances, when a customer is disallowed a payment, he/she is advised of the entitlement to claim credits. The full range of social insurance credits available, and the circumstances in which these credits are awarded, are included in the SW12 booklet, published by the Department. This information is also available on the Department's website www.welfare.ie

The Department's policy is to ensure that all customers are made aware of the wide range of schemes and services available, including the availability of credited contributions, and that they are kept informed of changes and improvements as they occur. The Department operates a network of local and branch offices throughout the country. Each local office has officers who provide information and are available to explain supports and services to people. These locally-based services are supported by a central Information Unit which operates a LoCall information line (1890 66 22 44) which customers may call for information and guidance on their entitlements.