It is not always necessary to pay voluntary contributions if you leave work due to illness or to care for someone. You may be due credited contributions or 'credits' instead which will also keep your social insurance up to date. See information leaflet SW 12 for more details.
Leaving work due to illness
If you are unfit for work because of illness, injury or disability, you may be entitled to 'credits'. 'Credits' are normally awarded automatically, if you are getting Illness Benefit, Invalidity Pension or Occupational Injury Benefit.
The Illness Benefit Telephone Enquiry Section will tell you about your entitlement to 'credits' while on Illness Benefit, telephone LoCall 1890 928 400 or if you are calling from outside the Republic of Ireland + 353 1 7043300
If you work in the Public Service and pay PRSI at class B, C, or D and you have to give up work because of ill-health, you can maintain your social insurance record by sending in medical certificates once a year. You can apply for these 'credits' by completing application form CR 35, which is included in the information leaflet SW 20.
You should send your completed CR35 form to:
Client Eligibility Services
Social Welfare Services
Department of Social and Family Affairs
Inner Relief Road
Ardarvan
Buncrana
Co. Donegal
IRELAND
Leaving work to care for someone
If you leave the workforce to care for someone you may qualify for a payment from this Department, such as Carer's Allowance or Carer's Benefit. You may also be entitled to 'credits' while you receive these payments. See information booklets SW 41 and SW 49 for more details.