Information If you are thinking of coming to Ireland to live, work, study, retire, etc., it is important for you to be aware of the social security system in Ireland. There may be some significant differences between the system in Ireland and your home country so it will be worthwhile to familiarise yourself with the system in advance. Ireland has social security agreements with all other EU/European Economic Area (EEA) countries. In addition, Ireland has Bilateral Social Security Agreements with:
Austria Canada Australia The United States of America New Zealand Québec
Ireland's Bilateral Social Security Agreement with Switzerland has been mainly replaced by EU Regulations.
The benefit of Bilateral Social Security Agreements is that a person from Ireland or one of the participating countries can protect his or her pension entitlements when working in a country that is covered by a Bilateral Social Security Agreement. When you come to Ireland, you will need a PPS Number (Personal Public Service Number). This number is a unique personal identification number that is essential for applying for state benefits and services in Ireland.
If you do not have a PPS Number, you will need to apply for one at your local Social Welfare Office. You will need to bring proof of identity in order to apply for the number. You can find details of how to apply for your PPS number and the type of proof of identity required here.
From 1 May 2004, there has been a change to the way in which you may qualify for social assistance payments in Ireland. Read more about new residency requirements for social assistance payments in Ireland here.
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Rules If you are from a country covered by EU Regulations, you are entitled to apply for the same benefits and services as an Irish person.
If you do not have enough social insurance contributions from another country and/or Ireland, you may qualify for an assistance-based payment that is relevant to your circumstances. Assistance-based payments do not relate to your social insurance record. Instead, the Department of Social and Family Affairs (which is responsible for the administration of the social security system in Ireland) examines all your sources of income. If your income is below a certain amount, you may qualify for a payment appropriate to your needs.
If you have come from a country with which Ireland has a Bilateral Social Security Agreement, your pension rights from the other country are protected when you move to Ireland. You may be able to combine your insurance records from Ireland and the appropriate country in order to qualify for a pension. It is possible to have a pension from Ireland and one or all of the other countries.
How to apply If you wish to apply for social security benefits in Ireland, you will need to visit your local social welfare office. Staff there will be able to assist you in identifying which payment will be appropriate to your needs. If your social insurance record in another country needs to be accessed, they may apply on your behalf.
If you are coming from a country covered by EU regulations (i.e., an EU/EEA country), you should bring forms E301 and E104 with you. These forms are available at the relevant social security agency in the country you are coming from and provide details of your social insurance record.
Before coming to Ireland, you should check with the local social security office in the country you are residing in as to the appropriate documentation to bring with you.
Where To Apply
Central Records Section, Gandon House, Amiens Street, Dublin 1, Ireland. Tel:+353 (0)1 7043000
International Records Section, Social Welfare Services Office, Floor 2, Oisin House, Pearse Street, Dublin 2, Ireland. Tel:+353 (0)1 7043000 or +353 (0)1 6732329
The above information has been kindly provided by http://www.citizensinformation.ie