Register by the end of the year after you start caring. If you missed that, a late claim may be backdated with a good reason. The newer Long-Term Carers' Contributions can also help.
Quick facts
- Years ignored
- Up to 20
- From
- 6 April 1994
- Caring for
- Child under 12, or ill or disabled person
- Paid contributions needed
- 520
- Part-time work allowed
- Under €38 a week
- Apply on
- Pension Caring Support form
How it helps
"But, with the Homemaker's Scheme, the Department of Social Protection (DSP) can ignore up to 20 years you spent as a homemaker after 6 April 1994." Fewer gap years in your average means a higher rate.
"You must have 520 paid contributions when you reach pension age to use the Homemaker's Scheme to calculate your State Pension (Contributory)."
Who qualifies
You cared full-time for "A child under age 12, or An ill or disabled person aged 12 or over." You must have worked before (at least one paid contribution) and "Do not work full-time while caring (you can do part-time work with gross weekly earnings of less than €38, or be self-employed with a yearly income of less than €5,000)".
"Only one person in the home can be a homemaker at a time." "A 'homemaking year' is any year in which you are out of the workforce for the full tax year." Part-years at the start and end can get credits instead.
How to register
"Fill in the 'Pension Caring Support' application form", on MyWelfare or from pensioncaringsupports@welfare.ie, with birth or medical certs.
"You should register as a homemaker before the end of the contribution year, after the year in which you first become a homemaker." Late applications may be backdated with proof and a good reason.
Common questions
What is the Homemaker's Scheme?
It lets the Department ignore up to 20 years spent caring full-time for a child under 12 or an ill or disabled person, after 6 April 1994, when calculating your State Pension (Contributory).
How many contributions do I need for the Homemaker's Scheme?
520 paid contributions by the time you reach pension age.
Can I work part-time and be a homemaker?
Yes, if your gross weekly earnings are under €38, or self-employed income is under €5,000 a year.
Can both of us be homemakers?
No. Only one person in the home can be a homemaker at a time.