United States · https://decisionscalc.com/tools/ireland-state-pension-calculator/
State Pension (Contributory) calculator
Your State Pension depends on how many weeks of PRSI, credits and caring are on your record. Enter them in years, or the exact numbers from your Contribution Statement, to see your weekly rate and what is missing for the full pension.
Estimated State Pension
How to raise your rate
- Check your record: request your Contribution Statement on MyWelfare.ie. Gaps are common, especially for time abroad or self-employment.
- Claim HomeCaring Periods for years spent caring full-time; up to 20 years can count.
- Keep paying PRSI or voluntary contributions if you stop work early; you can also defer the pension to 70 and keep building your record.
Frequently asked questions
How is the State Pension (Contributory) worked out?
Under the Total Contributions Approach, the Department adds your paid PRSI contributions, up to 10 years of credits and up to 20 years of HomeCaring Periods (credits and HomeCaring together at most 20 years). 40 years (2,080 contributions) gets the maximum rate; less gets the same percentage of it.
How much is the maximum State Pension (Contributory)?
€299.30 a week in 2026 if you draw it at 66 (€313.40 at 67, €328.90 at 68). Budget 2027 adds €10 from January 2027 (€309.30 at 66), with proportionate increases for reduced rates.
How many years do I need?
At least 10 years (520) of paid contributions to qualify for any rate, and 40 years in total for the full rate. You must also have started paying PRSI at least 10 years before you draw the pension.
What are HomeCaring Periods?
Weeks you spent out of work caring full-time for a child under 12 or someone who needed care, if you were born after 31 August 1946. Up to 20 years can count. Apply to the Department if they are not on your record.
Will the Department use this method?
Everyone is assessed on the Total Contributions Approach. If you reach pension age between 2025 and 2033, the Department also checks a blend with the older Yearly Average method and pays whichever is higher, so your rate can be more than this estimate, never less.
Related
- Fuel Allowance calculator: €38 a week (€43 from January 2027) if you pass the means test
- What can I claim? One check for every support your household may get
- MyFutureFund calculator · Where should my money go? (incl. pensions)
- Carer’s Allowance calculator · State pensions by country
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