Updated for 2026 DSP rates.
What is State Pension (Contributory)?
The State Pension (Contributory) is a weekly payment from the DSP for people aged 66 and over who have enough PRSI contributions. It is not means tested.
2026 Weekly Rates
| Situation | Weekly Rate |
|---|---|
| Personal rate (with 48+ yearly average contributions) | €277.30 |
| Personal rate (with 40–47 yearly average) | €268.00 |
| Personal rate (with 30–39 yearly average) | €258.70 |
| Personal rate (with 20–29 yearly average) | €228.50 |
| Personal rate (with 15–19 yearly average) | €198.30 |
| Personal rate (with 10–14 yearly average) | €162.90 |
| Qualified adult (living with you) | €177.50 (if qualified adult has no income) |
| Qualified adult (not living with you) | €247.60 (if qualified adult has no income) |
| Increase for qualified child | €46.00 (per child) |
PRSI Contribution Requirements
To qualify, you must:
- Be aged 66 or over
- Have at least 520 full-rate PRSI contributions paid since your first insurable employment (10 years)
- Have a minimum yearly average of at least 10 PRSI contributions from 1979 (or when you started insurable employment, if later) to the year before you turn 66
PRSI contributions at Classes A, E, F, G, H, N, and S count. Self-employed people (Class S) also qualify.
Homemaker Scheme
The Homemaker Scheme helps people who took time out of the workforce to care for children under 12 or care for an ill/disabled person. Qualifying periods from 1994 onwards are disregarded when calculating your yearly average, so your pension rate is not reduced by these caring periods. You must have been the primary carer for a full tax year to qualify.
How to Apply
The DSP usually sends you an application pack 12 weeks before your 66th birthday. You can also apply online at MyWelfare.ie or by post. You will need:
- Your PPS number
- Proof of identity
- Details of any PRSI contributions in other EU/EEA countries or countries with which Ireland has a bilateral social security agreement
Important Notes
- State Pension (Contributory) is taxable — Revenue will deduct tax where applicable
- If you defer your pension, you may get a higher rate when you do claim it
- If you do not qualify for the full rate, check if you qualify for the State Pension (Non-Contributory) instead