paying PRSI while abroad?

Voluntary contributions cover for long-term benefits, such as pensions.
However, the voluntary contributions do not cover short-term benefits such as those for illness, unemployment, maternity, occupational injuries and dental and optical treatment.


The benefits of each Voluntary Contribution rate are as follows:
High rate contribution

• Retirement Pension
• Old Age Contributory Pension
• Widow's or Widower's Contributory Pension
• Orphan's Contributory Allowance
• Bereavement Grant

Low rate contribution

• Widow's or Widower's Contributory Pension
• Orphan's Contributory Allowance
• Bereavement Grant

Special rate contribution

• Old Age Contributory Pension
• Widows or Widowers Contributory Pension
• Orphan's Contributory Allowance
• Bereavement Grant.

If you are taking time off work to care for children (under age 12) or an incapacitated adult or child aged 12 or over, the Homemaker's Scheme may be a better option. Under this scheme, we may disregard years spent caring when we work out your entitlement to an Old Age Contributory Pension.


For further information please contact:


Homemaker's Section
Social Welfare Services Office
Gandon House,
Amiens Street,
Dublin 1.
Telephone: Dublin (01) 704 3299

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