State Pension (Contributory): frequently asked questions

No. The State Pension (Contributory) is based on your PRSI record, not your income or savings — your other income and assets don't reduce it. (There is a separate Non-Contributory pension that is means-tested, but that is a different payment.)

Yes — it counts as income for income tax. It's paid without tax taken off at source, but it's added to your other income for the year. Many pensioners pay little or no tax on it thanks to age-related tax credits and exemptions, but that depends on your total income.

Yes. It isn't means-tested, so you can keep working — employed or self-employed — and still receive your full pension.

Yes. Because the Contributory pension is based on your PRSI record rather than where you live, it can be paid to you outside Ireland. (The means-tested Non-Contributory pension works differently.)

Possibly. If you stop work before 66 you may qualify for the Benefit Payment for 65-year-olds, or for Jobseeker's payments, and you can often keep your PRSI record intact through credited contributions — worth doing so your pension isn't reduced later. See when you can claim.

It depends on the PRSI class they paid. People recruited before April 1995 usually paid modified PRSI (Class B, C or D) and receive an occupational public-service pension rather than the full Contributory pension; those who started from 1995 pay Class A and can qualify. Mixed records are assessed on a pro-rata basis — the calculator covers this.

An occupational pension is a pension from an employer or workplace scheme, separate from the State Pension. Because the Contributory pension isn't means-tested, you receive it on top of any occupational pension.

Your personal payment stops, but a spouse or civil partner may qualify for a Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Civil Partner's Contributory Pension, and payment usually continues for six weeks after death. Any increase you received for a qualified adult may also continue for a period.

You need a minimum of 520 paid contributions (ten years) just to qualify. For the maximum rate you need 40 years' worth — 2,080 contributions — under the Total Contributions Approach. Between the two, you receive a proportion of the full rate.