CHAPTER 13 HOUSEHOLD FINANCES Social welfare payments
The Department of Social Protection provides financial assistance in the form of social welfare payments. There are three types of social welfare payments: • social insurance payments (contributory benefits) • social assistance payments (non-contributory benefits) • universal payments.
Social insurance payments (contributory) • Payments paid to individuals who have paid the minimum 39 weeks of PRSI contributions • Not means-tested
Payment
State Pension (contributory)
Widow’s/widower’s or surviving civil partner’s pension
Jobseeker’s Benefit Details
A weekly payment paid to individuals over the age of 66 who have paid a minimum number of PRSI contributions.
A weekly payment paid to the husband, wife or civil partner of a deceased person who had paid a minimum number of PRSI contributions.
A weekly payment paid to individuals who are out of work and who have paid a minimum number of PRSI contributions.
To qualify individuals must:
• be fully unemployed or unemployed for at least four days out of seven
• be capable, available for and genuinely seeking work.
Current rate (per week)
• Under 80 years: €233.30
• Over 80 years: €243.30
• Under 66 years: €193.50
• Over 66 years: €233.30
€188 for six to nine months
Maternity Benefit
A weekly payment paid to women who are on maternity leave from work who have paid a minimum number of PRSI contributions before the first day of maternity leave.
Did you know
As and from 2015 people are eligible for the State Pension at 66 years of age. This will increase to 67 years in 2021 and to 68 years in 2028.
Did you know
Since September 2016, two weeks’ paternity benefit is paid to new fathers at a rate of €230 per week.
