I propose to take Questions Nos. 206 and 212 together.
State Pension (Contributory) is a weekly payment from age 66 based on an individual’s PRSI contribution record. State Pension (Non-Contributory) is a means-tested payment for people aged 66 or over who do not qualify for, or only qualify for a reduced rate of State Pension Contributory.
The breakdown of recipients by year are given in the table below. Please note that the May 2026 numbers include a number of claims which are awarded in advance which will enter into payment when the person turns 66.
|
Year
|
State Pension
(Contributory)
|
State Pension
(Non-Contributory)
|
|
2021
|
468,761
|
95,004
|
|
2022
|
484,541
|
97,727
|
|
2023
|
506,724
|
100,201
|
|
2024
|
530,954
|
99,134
|
|
2025
|
558,414
|
100,926
|
|
May 2026
|
570,060
|
101,315
|