State Pension (Contributory)
The PRSI-based State Pension. It is not means-tested. Since January 2024 you can choose to defer it past 66 up to age 70 in exchange for a higher weekly rate.
- Type
- Based on PRSI
- Paid
- Every week
- Taxable
- Yes
- Administered by
- Department of Social Protection
How much is State Pension (Contributory)?
€299.30/week
Drawn down at age 66
| Drawn down at age 67 | €313.40/week |
|---|---|
| Drawn down at age 68 | €328.90/week |
Increases you may also get
| Increase for a qualified adult under 66 (drawn at 66) | €199.40/week |
|---|---|
| Increase for a qualified adult 66 or over (drawn at 66) | €268.40/week |
Rates shown are the maximum under the Total Contributions Approach with 2,080 contributions or more. Deferring to 69 or 70 raises the rate further.
Effective from Checked
Who can get State Pension (Contributory)
- You must be aged 66 or over — or choose to defer up to age 70 for a higher rate.
- You must have started paying PRSI before age 56.
- You need at least 520 paid PRSI contributions (10 years).
- Your rate depends on your total contributions. A transition from the Yearly Average method to the Total Contributions Approach is running from 2025 to 2034.
Is State Pension (Contributory) means tested?
State Pension (Contributory) is not means-tested. Your income, savings and other pensions do not affect it.
Things people get caught by
- Deferring the pension raises the weekly rate permanently — €299.30 at 66 rises to €328.90 at 68.
- If you do not have enough PRSI contributions, the means-tested State Pension (Non-Contributory) is the alternative.
What else you might get
Payments interact. These are the ones that commonly go with State Pension (Contributory).
- Free Travel
Automatic at 66.
- Household Benefits Package
Automatic at 70; before that if you meet the conditions.
- Living Alone Allowance
If you live alone.
- Fuel Allowance
If you meet the Fuel Allowance means test.