Voluntary contributions cover for long-term benefits, such as pensions.
However, the voluntary contributions do not cover short-term benefits such as those for illness, unemployment, maternity, occupational injuries and dental and optical treatment.
The benefits of each Voluntary Contribution rate are as follows:
High rate contribution
- State Pension Transition
- State pension (Contributory)
- Widow's or Widower's Contributory Pension
- Guardian's Payment (Contributory)
- Bereavement Grant
Low rate contribution
- Widow's or Widower's Contributory Pension
- Guardian's Payment (Contributory)
- Bereavement Grant
Special rate contribution
- State Pension (Contributory)
- Widows or Widowers Contributory Pension
- Guardian's Payment (Contributory)
- Bereavement Grant.
If you are taking time off work to care for children (under age 12) or an incapacitated adult or child aged 12 or over, the Homemaker's Scheme may be a better option. Under this scheme, we may disregard years spent caring when we work out your entitlement to an State Pension (Contributory).
For further information please contact:
Homemaker's Section
Social Welfare Services
Department of Social and Family Affairs
Inner Relief Road
Ardarvan
Buncrana
Co. Donegal
IRELAND
LoCall: 1890 690 690 (from the Republic of Ireland only)
Telephone: +353 1 4715898 (from Northern Ireland or overseas)