Written answers

Tuesday, 30 November 2021

Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection

Social Insurance

Photo of Michael CreedMichael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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407. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a person (details supplied) can get a copy of their social insurance contributions with regard to determining eligibility for a State pension (contributory); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58926/21]

Photo of Heather HumphreysHeather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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I have arranged for a copy of their social insurance contribution record to issue directly to the person concerned.

Pension entitlement can only be assessed on the basis of the eligibility conditions applicable on the date an individual reaches pension age. The person concerned was born in 1959.

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 cannot be 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 emailing volcons@welfare.ie.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy at this time.

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