State Pension (Contributory)
Up to €299.30 a week from age 66, depending on your PRSI contribution record.
Last checked October 2026
What it is
A weekly pension from age 66 based on your PRSI contributions. It is not means-tested, so other income does not reduce it. Budget 2027: from January 2027 the maximum weekly rate rises by €10, to €309.30 under 80 and €319.30 at 80 or over. From July 2027 the upper income threshold for the Increase for a Qualified Adult rises from €310 to €340.
Who can get it
- You are aged 66 or over. If you were born on or after 1 January 1958 you can choose a start date between 66 and 70
- You have at least 520 full-rate social insurance (PRSI) contributions. This is the usual test
- You may qualify on a different record if you ever worked as a civil or public servant or worked in another EU or EEA country or one with a social security agreement with Ireland. The rules differ, so check the official page
- Years spent as a registered carer can count once you reach 1040 weeks (20 years) of Long-Term Carers Contributions
- The maximum personal rate is €299.30 a week. It is paid on a record of 2080 contributions and credits (40 years), with limits on how many credits and homecaring periods count. The official page has the rules. Otherwise you may get a reduced rate. Time out of work through unemployment, illness or caring for young children is also taken into account. The department uses the calculation method that pays you most
- It is not means tested, so other income such as earnings or an occupational pension does not reduce it. It is taxable, but you are unlikely to pay tax if it is your only income
- Extras may come with it: a Living Alone Increase, an Age 80 Allowance (paid automatically), Fuel Allowance, Child Support Payment and an increase for a qualified adult, usually a spouse or partner. The qualified adult increase is up to €199.40 if they are under 66 and up to €268.40 if they are 66 or over. It is reduced if their own income is more than €100 a week. The qualified adult increase, Child Support Payment and Fuel Allowance are all means tested
- Claiming later than 66 gives a higher rate. A higher rate is payable to those accessing the pension between ages 67 and 70. A later start also lets you add contributions if your record is short of the minimum
- If your record is too short or only gets a reduced rate, you may apply for State Pension (Non-Contributory), which is means tested. The department can pay it instead if it works out better for you
How to apply
Apply online through MyWelfare.ie with a verified MyGovID account. You can also complete form SPC1 and post it to the State Pension (Contributory) Section, Department of Social Protection, College Road, Sligo, F91 T384. Apply well before you want to start. The department's pages say to apply three to six months ahead. You can request a Contribution Statement on MyWelfare.ie to estimate your rate.
Go to the official page →Checked against the official source on 7 October 2026. Always confirm the details on the official page before applying.
Questions people ask
How much is the State Pension (Contributory) in 2026?
The maximum personal rate is €299.30 a week. It is paid on a record of 2080 contributions and credits (40 years), with limits on how many credits and homecaring periods count. A shorter record may get a reduced rate. The official page has the rules.
Is the State Pension (Contributory) means tested?
No. Other income such as earnings or an occupational pension does not reduce it. The payment is taxable, but you are unlikely to pay tax if it is your only income.
Can I claim the State Pension after 66?
If you were born on or after 1 January 1958 you can choose a start date between 66 and 70. A later start gives a higher rate. A late claim can be backdated by a maximum of 6 months.
How many contributions do I need?
In general you need at least 520 full-rate PRSI contributions. You may qualify on a different record if you ever worked as a civil or public servant or worked in another EU or EEA country or one with a social security agreement with Ireland. The rules differ, so check the official page.
Related guides
- Carer's Allowance
- Carer's Support Grant
- Domiciliary Care Allowance
- Carer's Benefit
- Home Carer Tax Credit
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