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What is State Pension?
There are two main types of pension for people aged 66 or over:
- State Pension Contributory
- State Pension Non-Contributory
You can apply for one or both pensions in this application. If you qualify for both, the Department will award you the higher payment. You can find out more about the eligibility conditions for each pension on gov.ie
How to prepare for your pension application
Check your social insurance contribution record
We recommend checking your contribution record is correct before applying for your pension. If it is incorrect or missing information (for example, a period of employment), it may affect your pension entitlement or rate of payment.
Caring for children or other people
Pension Caring Supports can help you qualify for State Pension Contributory or improve your rate of payment.
If you ever provided full-time care for another person, or have ever taken time away from work to care for your children full-time, we recommend applying for Pension Caring Supports before submitting your pension application.
Who can get State Pension Contributory?
You may qualify for State Pension Contributory if you:
- are aged 66 or over
- have between 520 and 2080 reckonable contributions (of which 520 must be full rate paid social insurance contributions)
You may also be eligible for State Pension Contributory if you have:
- At least 260 full rate contributions and have ever worked as a civil or public servant, or;
- Worked in another EU/EEA country or in a country with which Ireland has a Bilateral Social Security Agreement.
State Pension Contributory is not means tested. There are different rates of payment depending on your contribution record and other circumstances.
Choosing when to claim your State Pension Contributory
If you were born during or after 1958, you can choose to start claiming your State Pension Contributory from any date between age 66 and 70.
We recommend you apply 6 months before you wish to start receiving your pension.
You can choose a pension start date up to 6 months in the past from the date of application. This date cannot fall before your 66th birthday.
You can find out more about State Pension Contributory eligibility and rates of payment on gov.ie.
Who can get State Pension Non-Contributory?
You may qualify for State Pension Non-Contributory if you:
- are aged 66 or over
- are legally and habitually resident in the Republic of Ireland
- satisfy a means test
You can apply for State Pension Non-Contributory if you don’t have enough social insurance contributions or if you qualify for a reduced rate of State Pension Contributory.
You can apply for State Pension Non-Contributory up to 6 months before you turn 66 years of age. You cannot defer claiming State Pension Non-Contributory.
You can find out more about State Pension Non-Contributory eligibility and rates of payment on gov.ie.
What will you be asked for?
Your pension type
You will be asked to confirm your contribution record and what pension you would like to apply for.
Personal details
You will be asked questions about you and your address.
Employment information
You may be asked for information regarding current and previous employment abroad.
Allowances and benefits
You will be asked if you’d like to apply for additional allowances and benefits as part of your application.
Household information
If applying for State Pension Non-Contributory or additional allowances and benefits, you will be asked about your relationship status. You may also be asked about your children and any other people in your household.
Financial information
If applying for State Pension Non-Contributory or additional allowances and benefits, you may be asked to provide information and documentation for any income, savings or investments you and your partner may have.