If you're already on a reduced pension and think you qualify, ask the Pension Caring Supports Section to review it.
Quick facts
- Up to
- 1,040 weeks (20 years)
- For caring for
- Children under 12, or someone needing extra care
- Born
- On or after 1 September 1946
- Minimum paid PRSI
- 520 contributions
- Work while caring
- 18.5 hours a week or less
- Documents
- None needed upfront
What it does
"You can get up to 1,040 HomeCaring Periods (equivalent to 20 years' employment) included on your social insurance record." Each week you cared full-time for "A child (or children) aged under 12, including children who were adopted or fostered A child (or children) aged 12 or over who needed an increased level of care An adult who needed an increased level of care" counts.
It works with the Total Contributions Approach. "If you have at least 2,080 social insurance contributions (the equivalent of 40 years' full-time employment), you will qualify for a maximum personal rate of State Pension (Contributory) ."
How much it's worth
Citizens Information's example: "1,560 (Mary's total contributions) ÷ 2,080 (the maximum number of contributions) = 75%". So Mary gets 75% of the maximum pension.
"Your combined total of credited contributions and HomeCaring Periods can't be more than 1,040 (20 years)."
Who qualifies
You must have been "Were born on or after 1 September 1946, and Cared for someone full time", aged over 16, living in Ireland and not getting most other welfare payments. Carer's Allowance, Carer's Benefit, DCA and Child Benefit are fine.
"You cannot be employed for more than 18.5 hours a week." "You are automatically considered to have been a full-time home carer of someone if you got Carer's Allowance , Carer's Benefit , or Domiciliary Care Allowance for them."
"This means you need at least 520 social insurance contributions (10 years' contributions) to qualify for HomeCaring Periods."
How to apply
Apply when you reach pension age, on the Pension Caring Supports form on MyWelfare.ie, or ask for it on 0818 690 690. "You don't need to send any supporting documents with your application for the HomeCaring Periods Scheme."
Common questions
What is the HomeCaring Periods Scheme?
A way to add up to 1,040 weeks (20 years) of full-time caring to your PRSI record, to get a higher State Pension (Contributory).
Who qualifies for HomeCaring Periods?
People born on or after 1 September 1946 who cared full-time for a child under 12 or someone who needed extra care, and who have at least 520 paid contributions.
Can I work and still get HomeCaring Periods?
Only if you worked no more than 18.5 hours a week, with limited earnings.
How do I apply for HomeCaring Periods?
When you apply for your State Pension (Contributory), using the Pension Caring Supports form on MyWelfare.ie.