It covers long-term payments only: the pension, and Bereaved Partner's and Guardian's pensions. It won't help you get Jobseeker's, Illness or Maternity Benefit.
Quick facts
- Former employees (A, E, H)
- 6.6% of income, min €500
- Former self-employed (S)
- €650 flat
- Public servants (B, C, D)
- 2.6%, min €250
- Needs
- 520 paid contributions
- Apply within
- 5 years
- Covers
- Pensions only
Who can pay
You must "Have at least 520 PRSI contributions paid under compulsory insurance in either employment or self-employment", no longer be paying compulsory PRSI here or elsewhere in the EU, and be under 66. "You can also pay voluntary contributions if you are aged between 66 and 70, as long as you were born after 1 January 1958 and you do not get the State Pension (Contributory)."
Time limit: "Apply to make your voluntary contribution within 60 months (5 years) of the end of the last completed tax year (contribution year) during which you last paid compulsory insurance or you were last awarded a credited contribution."
What it costs
- "If you paid PRSI at Class A, E or H you pay a high-rate contribution of 6.6% of your reckonable income in the previous tax year, subject to a minimum payment of €500."
- "If you paid PRSI at Class S you pay a special flat rate of €650."
- "If you paid PRSI at Class B, C or D you pay a low-rate contribution of 2.6% of your reckonable income in the previous tax year, subject to a minimum payment of €250." This covers bereavement and guardian's pensions only.
"You must pay the full contribution for a year no later than 12 months after the end of the year in which the payment is due."
What it doesn't cover
"They do not cover short-term benefits for illness, maternity, paternity, jobseekers, occupational injury or treatment benefit schemes." They also can't be used for Invalidity Pension. If you're on a welfare payment, you may get free credited contributions instead.
How to apply
Fill in form VC1 and send it to the Voluntary Contributions Section in Waterford, volcons@welfare.ie. Check your record on MyWelfare.ie first to see if you're close to a higher pension band.
Common questions
What are voluntary PRSI contributions?
Payments you make after leaving compulsory PRSI to keep building your record for the State Pension and bereavement pensions.
How much are voluntary PRSI contributions?
6.6% of last year's reckonable income, minimum €500, for former Class A, E or H; €650 flat for former Class S; 2.6%, minimum €250, for Class B, C or D.
Who can pay voluntary PRSI?
People with at least 520 paid contributions who apply within 5 years of leaving compulsory PRSI.
Do voluntary contributions count for Jobseeker's Benefit?
No. They cover long-term benefits such as the State Pension only.