Q.  What are credited social insurance contributions?

23.11.09

Employees have Pay Related Social Insurance (PRSI) deductions made from earnings each week. A credited social insurance contribution can be given without a PRSI payment. You may get credits automatically if you are getting a jobseeker's or illness payment. Some social welfare payments, including pensions, allow you to combine your paid and credited contributions to help you qualify.

To qualify for a credit you must have worked and paid at least one PRSI contribution at Class A, B, C, D, E, or H and have paid or credited contributions in either of the last two completed tax years.
If there is a gap of more than two completed tax years you must work and pay contributions for a further 26 weeks before you qualify for credited contributions. Credits are usually awarded at the same rate as your last paid PRSI contribution. Your credits will only help you to qualify for the social insurance payments appropriate to your PRSI Class. For example, if your last paid PRSI contribution was Class A your credits will be for Class A.

Under certain circumstances you may be awarded credits without receiving any payment. This may apply, for example, if you have used up your entitlement to Jobseeker's Benefit and do not qualify for Jobseeker's Allowance. In this case, you can 'sign' for credits (provided you are available and looking for work). You can also continue to get credits if you are taking part in approved education or training schemes.

Citizens Information: Buncrana 074 9363496; Carndonagh 074 9373741

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