Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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289. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the extent to which satisfactory provision has been made for those retiring at 65 years of age; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58184/21]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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My Department introduced Benefit Payment for 65 Year Olds on 25 January 2021, to deliver on a Programme for Government commitment to address the position of people who are required to or chose to retire at age 65.

This payment is 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.

The Governing Contribution Year is the second last complete tax year; for example, for a claim in 2021 the second last complete tax year is 2019.

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.

Benefit Payment for 65 Year Olds may be paid from the date of a person's 65th birthday until the date of their 66th birthday as long as they continue to satisfy the conditions for this payment.

The quickest way to apply for the Benefit Payment for 65 Year Olds is by making an application through www.MyWelfare.ie. Alternatively, a person may request a paper application form by sending an email to forms@welfare.ie. and a form will be posted to them.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.