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State pension 

What is the State Pension and how does it work? 

The State Pension is a regular payment from age 66 if you qualify. There are two types: the contributory pension (based on PRSI contributions, not means-tested) and the non-contributory pension (means-tested for those who don’t qualify for the contributory pension). Both pensions are taxable, but if the pension is your only income you probably will not pay tax. For full details on who qualifies, how tax works, and how to apply visit the Department of Social Protection website.

What are the two types of State Pension?

  • Contributory State Pension: For people aged 66 and over with enough PRSI contributions. Not based on your means, and you can have other income.
  • Non-contributory State Pension: For people aged 66 and over who do not qualify for the Contributory pension, or only get a small one. It is based on your income and savings.

What is the difference between the contributory and non-contributory state pension?

State Pension (Contributory) 

Maximum weekly rate (from January 2025):

  • €289.30 (under age 80)
  • €299.30 (age 80 and over) 

This is not means-tested and is based on your PRSI record. You may get a higher rate if you delay claiming until a later age (up to 70)

State Pension (non-contributory)

If you do not have enough PRSI contributions to qualify for the State Pension (Contributory), you may still be eligible for the State Pension (non-contributory). This is the means-tested option for people aged 66 and over and you may end up with a lower pension amount. You must be resident in Ireland and meet the means test to qualify. Maximum weekly rate (from January 2025):

  • €278.00 (under age 80)
  • €288.00 (age 80 and over) 

This may be a lower amount because it is means‑tested and depends on your income and savings.

Is the State Pension taxable?

Both types of State Pension are taxable, but if it is your only income, you are unlikely to pay tax. Learn more about taxation of social welfare payments.

More questions about the State Pension

How do you check your PRSI record?

You can check your PRSI record online by requesting a Contribution Statement on MyWelfare.ie. This helps you understand if you have enough contributions to qualify for the State Pension.

What if you don’t have enough PRSI contributions for the State Pension (Contributory)?

Gaps in your PRSI record

You may be able to pay voluntary PRSI contributions to fill gaps if you meet certain conditions. This option is available if you are no longer covered by compulsory PRSI (for example, if you leave employment or self-employment) and you meet certain conditions, such as having a minimum number of paid PRSI contributions and applying within five years of your last compulsory payment. Voluntary contributions can help you maintain your social insurance record and improve your chances of qualifying for the State Pension (Contributory).

If you have gaps in your PRSI record because you spent time caring for children or relatives, or managing your home, you may still be able to qualify for a Contributory State Pension. You can apply to have these periods counted towards your PRSI record using the HomeCaring Periods Scheme. This means time spent as a carer or homemaker can help fill in gaps and improve your chances of qualifying for the State Pension (Contributory).

What if you have worked in another country?

EU

If you have worked in another EU country, you can combine your social insurance contributions from Ireland and any EU countries to help you qualify for the Irish State Pension (Contributory). 

When you apply, the Department of Social Protection will take into account your PRSI contributions in Ireland and your social insurance record from other EU countries. This makes it easier to meet the requirements for a pension, even if you have moved between countries during your career. For more information, visit Gov.ie. 

UK

Since 31 January 2020, the UK is no longer part of the EU. However, a special agreement between Ireland and the UK means you can still combine your social insurance contributions from both countries to help you qualify for Irish social welfare payments, including the State Pension (Contributory).
If you are an Irish citizen who worked in the UK, or a UK citizen who worked in Ireland, your contributions in both countries can be counted.
EU citizens living in Ireland can also use their UK social insurance contributions to help qualify for certain Irish payments. Existing payments continue as before under this agreement. For more details, go to the Irish Government’s page on social security agreements with the UK.

Australia, New Zealand and Canada

Ireland has bilateral social security agreements with Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. These agreements allow you to combine your social insurance contributions from Ireland and these countries to help you qualify for pensions or certain social welfare payments.

Australia: You can add together your periods of social insurance coverage in Ireland and your periods of residence in Australia to meet the minimum requirements for a pension in either country. This helps if you have lived or worked in both countries. 

New Zealand: There is a similar agreement, allowing you to use your time spent living or working in New Zealand and Ireland to qualify for pensions or benefits in either country. 

Canada: If you have contributed to both the Irish and Canadian pension systems, you can combine your records to help you qualify for a pension from either country. Each country pays a benefit based on your contributions there.

Top tip
If you are close to pension age and unsure about if you qualify, contact the Department of Social Protection – the State Pension Section:
For State Pension (Contributory):
Email: state.con@welfare.ie
Phone: (071) 915 7100
Address: Department of Social Protection, College Road, Sligo, F91 T384
You can also check your PRSI record online. 

What happens if you delay claiming the State Pension?

If you delay claiming your State Pension, you may be able to receive a higher payment when you do claim. Find out more at Citizens Information.

State Pension rates

To check State Pension (Contributory) rates, visit Gov.ie.

Where can you find more information?

Visit the Department of Social Protection website for details on eligibility and how to apply for your State Pension. 

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