State Pension / Old Age Pension (Non-Contributory)

Table of contents State Pension (Non-Contributory) Rules to qualify The means test How to apply – *All information from CitizensInformation.ie State Pension (Non-Contributory) The means-tested State Pension (Non-Contributory) is a payment for people aged over 66 who do not qualify for a State Pension (Contributory) or who only qualify for a reduced contributory pension based […]

– *All information from CitizensInformation.ie

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State Pension (Non-Contributory)

The means-tested State Pension (Non-Contributory) is a payment for people aged over 66 who do not qualify for a State Pension (Contributory) or who only qualify for a reduced contributory pension based on their insurance record.

This pension is taxable but you are unlikely to pay tax if it is your only income.

Rules to qualify

You may qualify for the State Pension (Non-Contributory) if:

  • You are aged 66 or over
  • You pass a means test
  • You meet the habitual residence condition

The means test

Your means are assessed under the following headings:

  • Cash income (including income from work)
  • Value of capital (for example, savings, investments, cash on hand and property but not your own home)
  • Income from property personally used

To see details of rules and non-contributory state pension rates, visit Citizens Information now.

How to apply

To apply fill in a State Pension (Non-Contributory) application form (pdf). You can get an application form from your local social welfare office, post office or Citizens Information Centre. You should send your completed application form to the address below. You should apply three months before you reach 66.

If you need help filling out the form you can visit your nearest Citizens Information Centre. You should make sure that you fill in all relevant sections and provide evidence of your income and assets where required – otherwise there may be a delay in processing your application. You should include information about all your bank, credit union or post office accounts, including recent statements from each account you hold. You also need to provide recent payslips if you are working and information about any other pensions you have.

You may be visited by a social welfare officer who will assess your means. You will be told how exactly your means were assessed. If you are not satisfied, you may appeal to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.

You must always tell the Department of Social Protection if there are any changes to your circumstances while you are getting a State Pension (Non-Contributory). If your means or circumstances change you may no longer qualify for the payment or it may be reduced. This could mean that you have to repay an overpayment.

Where to apply

Department of Social Protection

Social Welfare Services
College Road
Sligo
Ireland

Opening Hours:This office does not offer a service to personal callers. All queries must be made using the online enquiry form, by telephone or in writing.
Tel:(071) 915 7100
Locall:1890 500 000
Homepage: https://www.welfare.ie/

You can email the State Pension (Non-Contributory) section using the secure enquiry form. If you wish to talk to someone face-to-face about your pension entitlements, you can visit your local Citizens Information centre, social welfare local office or Intreo centre.

*“Contains Irish Public Sector Data licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) licence”.

6148    Entitlements For Older People