Senior Citizen Guidebook: Pension Payments Available for Older People

The Senior Citizen Guidebook brings together practical advice and information to encourage and support older people living the local community. Produced by Home Instead Senior Care with the support of Age Action, Age and Opportunity and Nursing Homes Ireland, the guidebook provides a comprehensive overview of ageing issues and supports available in Ireland.

Information in the guidebook include a detailed list of Allowances and Entitlements for older people such as this outline of available pensions payments available. Call 1890 989 755 to order a complimentary copy of the Senior Citizen Guidebook or download a copy.

• State Pension (Transition) is no longer paid where a  person reaches 65 on or after 1 January 2014. If you qualified for the State Pension Transition before 1 January 2014 you remain entitled to it for the duration of your claim (1 year). The State  Pension (Transition) is paid to people aged 65 who have retired from work and who have enough social insurance contributions. It is not means-tested. When To Apply: It is advised to apply three months before the age of 66. The pension is taxable but you are unlikely to pay tax if it is your  only income.

•  State Pension (Contributory) is paid to people from the age of 66 who have enough Irish social insurance contributions. It is not means-tested. You can have  other income and still receive a State Pension (Contributory).  This is taxable; you are unlikely to pay tax if it is your only income. When To Apply: You should apply three months before the age of 66. However, if you have paid social insurance contributions in more than one country, you should apply six months before reaching 66. As the social insurance conditions are very complex you should apply for a State Pension (Contributory) if you have ever worked and have any contributions (stamps) paid at any time. There are a number of pro-rata pensions available to people who paid different types of social insurance contributions or who did not pay  contributions because of various reasons. If you retire early, you should ensure that you continue to pay PRSI contributions or get credited contributions (if eligible) to maintain your entitlement to a pension. If you are in receipt of the Jobseeker’s Benefit (JB) and are aged between 65 and 66 when your JB would normally end, you may continue to receive it until the age of 66, provided you meet the PRSI requirements.

From 1 September 2012, the rate band 20-47 was replaced by the bands 20-29, 30-39 and 40-47.

•  Extra Bene­fits

You are automatically paid an extra allowance of €10 per week when you reach 80 years of age. This increase is not paid to qualified adults. The Living Alone Increase may be payable to people who live completely alone. You may also be eligible for other benefits. Find out more about medical cards, the Household Benefits Package and Fuel Allowance from the Department of Social Protection. LoCall 1890 500 000 for more information.

• State Pension (Non-Contributory) is a means-test payment for people aged 66 or over who do not qualify for a State Pension (Contributory). This pension is taxable but you are unlikely to pay tax if it is your only income. When To Apply: You should apply three months before you reach 66. You may be visited by a social welfare officer who will assess your means. You will be told how exactly your means were assessed. If you are not satisfied, you may appeal to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.

• Widow, Widower’s or Surviving Partner’s (Contributory) Pension is a weekly payment to the husband, wife or civil partner of a deceased person. Either you or your deceased spouse or civil partner must have enough social insurance contributions (PRSI). To qualify you must, of course, be a widow, widower or surviving civil partner and you must not be cohabiting with another person. The pension is payable regardless of other income. If you are divorced and you would have been entitled to a Widow’s, Widower’s or Surviving Civil Partner’s (Contributory) Pension had you remained married, you keep your entitlement to the Widow’s, Widower’s or Surviving Civil Partner’s (Contributory) Pension. If your civil partnership has been dissolved and you would have been entitled to a Widow’s, Widower’s or Surviving Civil Partner’s (Contributory) Pension had you remained in the civil partnership, you keep your entitlement to the Widow’s, Widower’s or Surviving Civil Partner’s (Contributory) Pension.