You pay PRSI contributions to build up entitlement to certain state benefits, including the State Pension.

If you are in employment, the amount of PRSI you pay depends on whether you’re employed or self-employed and how much your earn.

All records of your insurance contributions are kept and managed by the PRSI Records section in the Department of Social Protection. The Department is then responsible for any benefits claimed or payments made as a result of your social insurance contributions.

In order to check your social insurance record, you will need your Personal Public Service Number (PPSN). This number is a unique identification number which you need when dealing with state agencies

There is a wide range of benefits that are available to people who have paid social insurance.  A full list of relevant benefits is available on Citizens Information – Social Insurance

Cross-border issues

NOTE:  UK Social Insurance =  National Insurance,  Irish Social Insurance =  Pay Related Social Insurance (PRSI)

Cross-Border workers – EU regulations (protected by the Withdrawal Agreement) and Common Travel Area rules allow for cross-border workers to combine social insurance contributions paid in both jurisdictions. So if you work across the border your PRSI and National Insurance contributions can be combined to help you qualify for contribution-based benefits e.g. Maternity Benefit or Illness Benefit.

Further information is available from the UK International Pension Centre and Citizens Information

Working on both sides of the border – If you are normally employed on both sides of the border you will need to check where you should pay social insurance (you shouldn’t pay in both places).  This is complicated so you might need to speak with a citizens information provider or perhaps use the Online HMRC tool –  Check which country’s social security legislation applies to you (CA8421)

See also:

• Border People – National Insurance Numbers
• Border People – National Insurance Contributions

Page last checked: March 2023

This webpage is for general information purposes only and while we endeavour to keep it up-to-date, errors may occur. It is very important that you check with the relevant body to ensure the information is current and is applicable to your situation.

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