James Lawless
Ceist:287. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Social Protection to examine the current issues with the provision of PPS numbers (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37880/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 24 September 2024
Ceisteanna (287)
Freagraí scríofa
A Personal Public Service (PPS) Number is a unique reference number that helps a person access social welfare benefits and public services in Ireland. To get a PPS Number, a person is asked to provide evidence of their identity, why they need a PPS Number and their address.
A person living in Ireland who is 18 or over and needs a PPSN can apply at MyWelfare.ie. The person completes an online application in full and is then given an in-person appointment. Upon successful completion of the appointment, a PPS Number will issue to the person immediately.
Some examples of why a person may apply for a PPS Number are:
• To take up work
• to apply for a social welfare payment
• to apply for or exchange a driver’s licence
• to access other public services
• to register for a course in a school or college
A person applying for a PPS Number to take up work in Ireland is asked to provide a signed offer of employment from their employer confirming when the job is due to start or when it started. A person does not need a PPS Number to look for work or for an employer to make an offer of employment.
A person must also show evidence of their address to get a PPS Number. The document must show their name and address and not be older than 3 months. If the person is staying with friends or relatives, an original household bill plus a note from the bill holder confirming that the person lives at the bill address is acceptable. This note can be written on the bill itself.
The person concerned applied to my Department for a PPS Number. However this application could not be processed as the documents provided relating to employment require further clarification.
My officials are contacting the person in relation to the clarifications required and will arrange a PPS Number appointment. Upon the successful completion of the appointment, a PPS Number will issue to the person immediately.
Any enquiries pertaining to the matter of tax credits can be clarified by my colleague, the Minister for Finance.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.