Deferring pays off if you're still earning and in good health. If you'd be close to 520 contributions at 66, working on to 67 or 68 can be the difference between some pension and none.
Quick facts
- At 66
- €299.30 a week
- At 67
- €313.40
- At 68
- €328.90
- At 69
- €345.70
- At 70
- €363.90
- Born
- On or after 1 January 1958
The rates
Maximum weekly rates in 2026, with the increases for a qualified adult under and over 66: "Age 66 €299.30 €199.40 €268.40 Age 67 €313.40 €208.80 €281.00 Age 68 €328.90 €219.10 €295.00 Age 69 €345.70 €230.30 €310.00 Age 70 €363.90 €242.50 €326.40".
Who can defer, and why
"If you were born on or after 1 January 1958, you can choose to claim the State Pension (Contributory) anytime between the ages of 66 and 70." Working on lets you reach 520 contributions if you're short, or raise your rate.
"However, you will not be able to increase your contributions past the maximum of 2080 (40 years)."
The catches
"Once you start claiming your State Pension (Contributory), you can no longer choose to defer your pension claim, even if you keep working."
Other payments in the gap push your start age back. "For example, if you claim State Pension (Non-Contributory) at age 66 and apply for State Pension (Contributory) at age 67, your deferred State Pension (Contributory) rate will be reduced to the age 66 rate."
How to do it
Choose your start date on form SPC1. "You should apply for the State Pension (Contributory) at least 3 months, and no more than 6 months, before the date you want your pension to start."
"If you apply after the date that you wanted your pension to start, it can be backdated up to a maximum of 6 months, or to your chosen start date, whichever is the lesser."
Common questions
Can I defer my State Pension in Ireland?
Yes, if you were born on or after 1 January 1958, you can start it any time between 66 and 70.
How much more do I get if I defer my State Pension?
The 2026 maximum rises from €299.30 a week at 66 to €313.40 at 67, €328.90 at 68, €345.70 at 69 and €363.90 at 70.
Can I stop my State Pension after I start it?
No. Once you start claiming, you can't choose to defer again, even if you keep working.
When should I apply to start a deferred pension?
At least 3 months and no more than 6 months before your chosen start date.