The Pay Related Social Insurance (PRSI) system in Ireland is designed to provide workers and their families with a range of vital benefits and pensions. By making PRSI contributions throughout their working life, individuals can access financial support during times of unemployment, illness, maternity or paternity leave, retirement, and more.
One of the key benefits of the PRSI system is the State Pension (Contributory). This is a weekly payment made to individuals aged 66 and over who have made sufficient PRSI contributions during their working life. The State Pension (Contributory) is an essential source of income for many retirees in Ireland, helping to ensure a basic standard of living in old age.
To qualify for the State Pension (Contributory), an individual must have started paying PRSI before the age of 56 and have a minimum of 520 paid contributions (equivalent to 10 years of work). The level of pension paid depends on the average number of contributions made per year, with a maximum personal rate of €277.30 per week in 2024.
In addition to the State Pension, PRSI contributions also provide access to a range of short-term and long-term benefits for workers and their families. These include:
- Jobseeker’s Benefit: A weekly payment of up to €232 for those who are unemployed and looking for work, subject to PRSI contribution requirements.
- Illness Benefit: A weekly payment of up to €232 for those who are unable to work due to illness or injury, subject to PRSI contribution requirements.
- Maternity and Paternity Benefit: A weekly payment of €274 for mothers and fathers taking leave from work to care for a new baby, subject to PRSI contribution requirements.
- Invalidity Pension: A long-term weekly payment of up to €237.50 for those who are permanently incapable of work due to illness or disability, subject to PRSI contribution requirements.
- Carer’s Benefit and Carer’s Allowance: Weekly payments for those who leave the workforce to care for someone who needs full-time care and attention.
- Treatment Benefits: Free or subsidized dental, optical, and aural services for those with sufficient PRSI contributions.
The level of benefits an individual can claim depends on their PRSI Class and the number of contributions they have made. Class A employees are entitled to the full range of benefits, while those in Class S (self-employed) have access to a more limited range.
It’s important for workers to be aware of their PRSI entitlements and to keep track of their contributions throughout their career. The Department of Social Protection provides an online PRSI contribution record that allows individuals to view their contribution history and check their eligibility for benefits.
Employers also have a key role to play in ensuring that employees receive the PRSI benefits they are entitled to. By deducting the correct amount of PRSI from employees’ pay and remitting it to the government, employers help to ensure that workers have access to vital supports when they need them most.
Here’s an engaging table that highlights the key PRSI benefits and pensions in Ireland, which can be included in Article 3:
| Benefit | Who Qualifies | Payment Amount (2024) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| State Pension (Contributory) | – Age 66 or older – Started paying PRSI before age 56 – Minimum 520 paid contributions (10 years) | Maximum personal rate: €277.30 per week Increases for qualified adults and dependents | Payable for life from age 66 |
| Jobseeker’s Benefit | – Unemployed and seeking work – Sufficient PRSI contributions | Maximum: €232 per week Increases for qualified adults and dependents | Up to 9 months (234 days) |
| Illness Benefit | – Unable to work due to illness or injury – Sufficient PRSI contributions | Maximum: €232 per week Increases for qualified adults and dependents | Up to 2 years (624 days) |
| Maternity & Paternity Benefit | – On maternity or paternity leave from work – Sufficient PRSI contributions | €274 per week | Maternity: 26 weeks Paternity: 2 weeks |
| Invalidity Pension | – Permanently incapable of work due to illness or disability – Sufficient PRSI contributions | Maximum personal rate: €237.50 per week Increases for qualified adults and dependents | Payable until State Pension age |
| Carer’s Benefit | – Leaving work to care for someone needing full-time care – Sufficient PRSI contributions | Maximum: €249 per week (caring for one person) €373.50 per week (caring for more than one person) | Up to 2 years |
| Treatment Benefits | – Sufficient PRSI contributions | – Free or subsidized dental, optical, and aural services – Grants for hearing aids and medical appliances | Varies by service |