Minister Calleary announces new online application service for State Pensions via MyWelfare
- Published on: 22 May 2025
- Last updated on: 22 May 2025
The Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary has today announced the availability of an online application service for State Pensions on MyWelfare.ie, the department’s online platform.
The new service aims to streamline the application process for individuals reaching pension age. There are two main types of pensions available - State Pension (Contributory) and State Pension (Non-Contributory).
State Pension (Contributory) is a weekly payment based on an individual’s social insurance contribution record.
State Pension (Non-Contributory) is a means-tested payment for those who don't qualify for a contributory pension or qualify for a reduced rate of State Pension (Contributory).
With the introduction of this online application service, individuals can apply for both pension types through MyWelfare.ie.
The online State Pension application is an extension of the services available to those approaching pension age on MyWelfare and complements the existing MyWelfare services which include:
- Request Your Contribution statement
- Pension Caring Supports
- Household Benefits
- Fuel Allowance
- Benefit Payment for 65-year-olds
- Change my Payment Method
Commenting today, Minister Calleary said:
“I was delighted to be in Sligo recently at the Social Welfare Services Office, alongside nearly 850 dedicated staff who deliver a variety of essential services and schemes, including the State Pension. It is with great pleasure that I announce the further expansion of MyWelfare services for those approaching pension age. People can now conveniently apply for several schemes and services at a time and place that suits them best.
“As the number of State pension recipients continues to increase year on year, my department is committed to simplifying the pensions application process for individuals during this important transition in their lives. By offering this service online, we are making it more accessible and user friendly.”
“Almost 3 million transactions were made through MyWelfare in 2024, which demonstrates a growing demand. I am committed to having 90 percent of services online by 2030.”
Notes
Photo Credit: Richard McCarthy.
State Pension (Contributory)
State Pension (Contributory) is a weekly payment based on your social insurance contribution record. It is not a means tested payment so your payment will not be impacted by any additional income you may have.
If you were born on or after 1 January 1958, you can choose a date between age 66 and 70 to access any State Pension (Contributory) entitlement you may have. A higher rate of State Pension (Contributory) may be payable to those accessing State Pension (Contributory) between ages 67 and 70.
If you continue to work, or take up employment, after you start receiving your State Pension (Contributory), you no longer pay PRSI.
To qualify, you must:
- be 66 or over
- have at least 520 social insurance contributions
To get the highest possible rate of pension you need to have at least 2080 contributions.
If you have more than 520 but less than 2080 contributions, your rate of pension will be less, depending on how many contributions you have.
It is recommended that you apply for State Pension (Contributory) 6 months before you wish to start claiming your pension.
Learn more about the State Pension (Contributory).
State Pension (Non-contributory)
The State Pension (Non-contributory) is a means tested payment. It may be available to you if you do not qualify for State Pension (Contributory) based on your social insurance contribution record or if you qualify for a reduced rate of the State Pension (Contributory).
If you qualify for both pensions, we will award you the higher payment.
To qualify, you must:
- be legally and habitually living in the State
- be 66 or over
- satisfy a means test
You should apply for the State Pension (Non-contributory) 6 months before your 66th birthday. You cannot choose to put off claiming State Pension (Non-contributory).
Learn more about the State Pension (Non-contributory).
Pension Caring Supports
Carers who took time out of work to provide care on a full-time basis may be entitled to apply for Pension Caring Supports to help qualify for a State Pension (Contributory) depending on the circumstances of the care.
If you took time out of work to provide full-time care for your children while they were under 12, you may be entitled to apply for the Homemaker’s Scheme or HomeCaring Periods.
If you provided full-time care to someone who was ill or disabled, you may be entitled to apply for the Homemaker’s Scheme or HomeCaring Periods or for Long-Term Carers Contribution Periods.
Any successfully applications for Pension Caring Supports may help to fill gaps in your contribution record when applying for your pension.
Why use MyWelfare
MyWelfare is the quickest and easiest way to access a range of welfare services. It is designed with users in mind, making it easy to use and convenient. It saves people time by eliminating the need for physical office visits or posting forms / documents.
MyWelfare also provides real-time information on all claims and applications. It makes managing social welfare services more efficient and hassle-free.
What you can do on MyWelfare
You can apply for various services on MyWelfare and access your personalised dashboard, where you can:
- see the status of your claim
- view your payment information
- manage your claim, like uploading information about a change in circumstances through document upload or updating your address
- get secure messages from the department through notifications
Further information on the services available is at MyWelfare.