What happens if I am not paying PRSI contributions?
During any period in which you are not in paid employment or in
self-employment, you will not be paying PRSI contributions and so
your benefit entitlements may be reduced. In certain circumstances,
however, you may receive PRSI credits. These credits ensure that
your social insurance record remains unbroken and may help you to
qualify for social welfare pensions or benefits in the future. Credits
are automatically given when you are entitled to
■ Unemployment Benefit
■ Disability Benefit
■ Maternity Benefit (employees only)
■ Adoptive Benefit (employees only)
■ Health & Safety Benefit
■ Invalidity Pension
■ Retirement Pension
You may be eligible for credits if you are getting Unemployment
Assistance, Pre-Retirement Allowance, Injury Benefit, Carer’s
A Guide on Pension Provision for Women
Allowance, Carer’s Benefit or while participating in certain courses.
Credits are usually awarded at the same rate as you last paid PRSI
contributions.
You may be eligible for Pre-Retirement Credits if you are retired from
the workforce, are no longer actively looking for work and are aged
55 or over. Full details of credited contributions are given in leaflet
SW12 available from the Department of Social and Family Affairs.
If you are an employee and are in receipt of Maternity Benefit from
the State, then you will be automatically awarded credits during
that period. Please note that credits are only awarded for the period
of statutory maternity leave, i.e., 18 weeks. If you avail of unpaid
maternity leave immediately following your paid leave, you will be
entitled to receive a ‘PRSI credit’ in respect of each week taken, up
to a maximum of 8 weeks. Full details are given in leaflet SW11
available from the Department of Social and Family Affairs.
If you take Parental Leave, then you may be entitled to 14 weeks of
PRSI credits.