If you're on a reduced contributory pension, check this one too: you could be better off. Your home isn't counted, and renting a room can bring in €14,000 a year without touching it.
Quick facts
- Age 66 to 79
- Up to €288 a week
- 80 and over
- Up to €298
- Adult dependant under 66
- +€190.20
- Job earnings ignored
- €200 a week each
- Savings ignored
- First €20,000
- Your home
- Not counted
How much
"66 and under 80 €288 €190.20": the personal rate and the increase for a dependant under 66. "80 and over €298". Child Support Payments are added for children.
"Your first €30 per week of means does not affect your rate of State Pension (Non-Contributory). But after €30, your pension is reduced by €2.50 for every €2.50 of means."
Working on the pension
"You can earn up to €200 per week from employment, and it won't affect your State Pension (Non-Contributory)." Your partner can too. "However, this does not include self-employment or farming." You keep paying PRSI, which can build towards a deferred contributory pension.
Savings, your home and renting a room
Savings are assessed like this: "First €20,000 Nil Next €10,000 €1 per €1,000 Next €10,000 €2 per €1,000 Balance €4 per €1,000". "The value of the house you live in is not taken into account in the means test."
"You can get up to €269.23 a week (€14,000 per year) from renting a room in your home without it affecting your State (Non-Contributory) Pension." Selling a home that no longer suits you to move somewhere smaller: "In this case, up to €337,500 of the sale proceeds is exempt from the means test."
Compare it with the contributory pension
"If you get a reduced rate of SPC, you should check if you would be better off getting a State Pension (Non-Contributory)." It also brings the Household Benefits Package, Free Travel, and Fuel Allowance if you qualify.
Applying
"You can apply for the State Pension (Non-Contributory) 6 months before your 66th birthday, but not earlier." Apply on MyWelfare.ie or on form SPNC1, which your local Citizens Information Centre can help with. It's paid every Friday.
Common questions
How much is the non-contributory State Pension in 2026?
Up to €288 a week from 66 to 79, and €298 from 80, plus €190.20 for a dependant under 66.
Can I work and get the non-contributory pension?
Yes. You and your partner can each earn up to €200 a week from employment without it affecting the pension. Self-employment and farming are assessed differently.
How much savings can I have for the non-contributory pension?
The first €20,000 is ignored; above that, a sliding scale counts as weekly means.
Does my house count in the non-contributory pension means test?
No. The house you live in is not taken into account.
When can I apply for the non-contributory State Pension?
Up to 6 months before your 66th birthday, but not earlier.