The Irish State Pension Explained
The Irish state pension (contributory) is the foundation of most retirement plans. But how much will you actually get?
Current Rates (2026)
Maximum Weekly Rate: €289.30
Maximum Annual Amount: €15,044
With Qualified Adult Increase
If you have a dependent spouse/partner under 66:
- Weekly: +€193.90
- Annual: +€10,083
Couple total (max): €25,127/year
Eligibility Requirements
To get the full state pension, you need:
- Age: 66 (rising to 67 between 2026-2028)
- PRSI Contributions: Started before age 56
- Yearly Average: 48+ paid/credited contributions OR
- Total Contributions: 2,080 contributions under the Total Contributions Approach (TCA)
The Yearly Average Method vs TCA
Ireland offers two calculation methods - you get the higher result:
Yearly Average Method:
- Total contributions ÷ years = yearly average
- 48+ weeks average = full pension
- 20-47 weeks = proportional reduction
Total Contributions Approach (TCA):
- 2,080 contributions = full pension (40 years × 52 weeks)
- Credits for homemakers and carers included
- Coming into full effect
Common Pension Gaps
Many people don't get the full pension due to:
- Time outside workforce - Caring, study, travel
- Self-employment gaps - Some years without Class S
- Part-time work - Below contribution threshold
- Emigration - Years working abroad
How to Check Your Record
- Visit welfare.ie
- Request a contribution statement
- Review your yearly averages
- Identify any gaps
Strategies to Maximize Your Pension
If You're Still Working:
- Ensure your employer is making PRSI contributions
- Consider voluntary contributions for gap years
- Keep records of all employment
If You're a Homemaker/Carer:
- Apply for HomeCaring periods credits
- These count towards TCA calculations
- Up to 20 years can be credited
If You Worked Abroad:
- Check bilateral agreements (EU, UK, USA, etc.)
- Contributions may transfer or combine
- Irish pensions can be paid worldwide
Planning Your Retirement Income
Don't rely solely on the state pension.
Even the full pension of €15,044/year is below the poverty line for most definitions of "comfortable" living.
Use the state pension as a foundation, then build on it with:
- Occupational pensions
- Personal pensions (PRSAs)
- Investments and savings
Need to know your total retirement number? See our guide on how much you need to retire in Ireland.
Thinking about retiring before the state pension kicks in? Read Can I Retire at 60 in Ireland? for early retirement strategies.
Your Next Steps
- Get your PRSI statement from welfare.ie
- Calculate your expected state pension
- Use our free quiz to see your total retirement picture
- Identify gaps and create a plan to fill them
Want to see how the state pension fits into your overall retirement plan? Try our free retirement calculator.