Eligibility for Irish Non-Contributory Pension. Moving from UK to Ireland

Hi folks.

Re: A person currently residing in UK and in receipt of UK Pension credits, and intends to move permanently to ROI.

In theory, can they "give up" their UK Pension credits payment, and then be eligible for a non contributory Irish state pension, medical card etc?

Thanks.

Charles Babbage

No, they have an income they can hardly refuse an income in order to get welfare. Medical card is based on income, it doesn't matter where you get the income from, once you do not have the required income. Depending on the amount of the UK pension they receive, they may receive a supplementary payment in Ireland if their income is less than the amount of the non contributory pension. Likewise things like the bus pass etc come from living in Ireland, not where you pension comes from.

gipi

They will also have to satisfy the Habitual Residence Condition, which very broadly is how they connect to this country (more info here - https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/social-welfare/irish-social-welfare-system/social-assistance-payments/habitual-residence-condition/ )

Their UK pension may not transfer, it depends on the UK rules (for example, Irish non-contributory pensions aren't transferable outside the state).

Hi thanks.

For clarity. Person is pension age, receiving UK pension credits only. No other income.

Person intends to move permanently to Ireland and therefore will no longer be eligible for UK Pension credits, so will have no income whatsoever. (UK Pension Credits are non-contributory and not transfereable to another country).

Persons parent born and lived in ireland.

Person worked in Ireland previoulsly and paid some Pension contributions.

Charles Babbage

If the person has no income then they will receive the non contributory pension. If they have some income then they will get the difference. You need 10 year contributions between Ireland and the UK to get some sort of contributory pension.

Thanks Charles and gipi, that's what I was hoping for, (ultimately I know it will be up to the Irish SW system to make assessment and decision).

I'll contact UK and Irish offices this week and will start the proces. Many thanks.