1.What are State Pension (Transition) and State Pension (Contributory)?
These are social insurance payments made when you reach age 65 (for State Pension (Transition)) and 66 (for State Pension (Contributory)). They are based on your social insurance (PRSI) record.
The pensions are not means-tested, so your personal rate is not affected by other income you may have such as an occupational pension. However, the increase for a Qualified Adult is means tested.
You must be retired from insurable employment to qualify for State Pension (Transition). You can apply for State Pension (Contributory) at age 66 and continue working.
State Pension (Transition) is only paid for one year from age 65. When you are aged 66 you automatically transfer to State Pension (Contributory). The rate of your pension is not affected by this changeover.
2. How do I qualify?
You will qualify for
State Pension (Transition) if you:
- are aged 65,
- are retired from insurable employment*, and
- satisfy certain social insurance contribution conditions.
* You do not need to give up employment completely.
You can be employed part-time and earn less than €38 per week paying PRSI at Class J or earn less than €3,174 per year if you are self-employed.
The retirement condition no longer applies on reaching age 66.
You will qualify for
State Pension (Contributory) if you:
- are aged 66 or over, and
- satisfy certain social insurance contribution conditions.
You can continue to work full-time after age 66 and collect your State Pension (Contributory).
If you are getting the maximum Invalidity Pension, or if you are in receipt of State Pension (Transition) you will automatically transfer to State Pension (Contributory) when you are aged 66. The amount of pension you get will not change.