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<h1>Social Security Programs Throughout the World: Europe, 2014</h1>
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<h1>Ireland</h1>
<div class="exchangeRate"><abbr class="spell">US</abbr>$1.00&nbsp;= 0.73&nbsp;euros (&euro;).</div>
<h2>Old Age, Disability, and Survivors</h2>
<h3>Regulatory Framework</h3>
<p><span class="h4">First laws:</span> 1908 <span class="nobr">(old-age</span> assistance), 1911 (disability insurance), and 1935 (survivor insurance).</p>
<p><span class="h4">Current laws:</span> 2005 (social welfare) and 2011 (social welfare and pensions).</p>
<p><span class="h4">Type of program:</span> Social insurance and social assistance system.</p>
<h3>Coverage</h3>
<p>Employed persons with weekly earnings of at least &euro;38, including most household workers.</p>
<p>Self-employed persons with annual earnings of &euro;5,000 or more are covered for contributory <span class="nobr">old-age</span> and survivor benefits.</p>
<p>Exclusions: <span class="nobr">Part-time</span> employees earning less than &euro;38 a week; permanent civil servants&nbsp;who began working&nbsp;before April&nbsp;6, 1995; and casual household workers.</p>
<h3>Source of Funds</h3>
<p><span class="h4">Insured person:</span> With weekly earnings of &euro;352 or less, none; with weekly earnings&nbsp;greater than&nbsp;&euro;352, none for the first &euro;127 of covered weekly earnings and 4% of covered weekly earnings from&nbsp;&euro;128.</p>
<p>There are no maximum earnings used to calculate contributions.</p>
<p>The insured's contributions also finance sickness and maternity, medical, work injury, unemployment, and adoption benefits.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Self-employed person:</span> With an annual income of &euro;5,000 or more, 4% of covered income.</p>
<p>The self-employed person's annual income used to calculate contributions is based on gross income minus capital allowances and superannuation (private pension) contributions. Contributions are paid annually.</p>
<p>The self-employed person's contributions also finance cash maternity, adoption, and medical benefits.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Employer:</span> For employees with weekly earnings of &euro;356 or less, 4.25% of gross wages; for employees with weekly earnings greater than &euro;356, 10.75% of gross wages.</p>
<p>There are no maximum earnings used to calculate contributions.</p>
<p>The employer's contributions also finance sickness and maternity, work injury, unemployment, and adoption benefits.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Government:</span> Any deficit in the social insurance fund and the total cost of means-tested allowances.</p>
<h3>Qualifying Conditions</h3>
<p><span class="h4">State pension (transition):</span> Age&nbsp;65 with coverage beginning before age&nbsp;55. If reaching pensionable age on or after April&nbsp;6, 2012, the insured must have at least&nbsp;520&nbsp;weeks of paid contributions (260&nbsp;weeks if reaching pensionable age on or after April&nbsp;6, 2002, but before April&nbsp;6, 2012) and an annual average of at least 24&nbsp;weeks of paid or credited contributions (since 1953 or the date insured employment started, if later, up to the end of the last tax year before reaching age&nbsp;65). (The state pension (transition) was&nbsp;abolished for persons reaching age&nbsp;65 on or after January&nbsp;1, 2014.)</p>
<p>The state pension (transition) is replaced by the state pension (contributory) at age&nbsp;66.</p>
<p>The full pension is paid with an annual average of at least 48&nbsp;weeks of paid or credited contributions.</p>
<p>Partial pension: Paid with an annual average of 24 to 47&nbsp;weeks of paid or credited contributions since entry into insured employment.</p>
<p>Earnings test:&nbsp;The insured can earn up to &euro;38 a week and still receive the pension.</p>
<p>Dependent's supplement: Paid for a qualified adult (a dependent spouse, civil partner, cohabitating partner, divorced spouse, or person older than age&nbsp;16 who cares for the insured's dependent child) with gross earnings or income up to &euro;310; and&nbsp;a dependent child younger than age&nbsp;18 (age&nbsp;22 if a <span class="nobr">full-time</span> student) if the insured's spouse, civil partner, or cohabiting partner has gross earnings or income up to &euro;400 a week.</p>
<p>The state pension (transition) is payable abroad.</p>
<p><span class="h4">State pension (contributory):</span> Age&nbsp;66 (gradually rising to age&nbsp;67 by 2021 and age&nbsp;68 by 2028) with coverage beginning before age&nbsp;56. If reaching pensionable age on or after April&nbsp;6, 2012, the insured must have at least 520&nbsp;weeks of paid contributions.</p>
<p>The full pension is paid with an annual average of at least 48&nbsp;weeks of paid or credited contributions before age&nbsp;66.</p>
<p>Partial pension: Paid with an annual average of 10 to 47&nbsp;weeks of paid or credited contributions since entry into insured employment.</p>
<p>Retirement is not necessary.</p>
<p>Any years since 1994 spent caring for children younger than age&nbsp;12&nbsp;or disabled persons&nbsp;are disregarded when calculating the annual average contribution; up to 20&nbsp;years may be disregarded.</p>
<p>Periods during which the insured is receiving the state pension (transition) or cash benefits for caregiving, sickness, maternity, permanent disability, unemployment, or work injury may be credited toward the&nbsp;qualifying period.</p>
<p>Dependent's supplement: Paid for a qualified adult (a dependent spouse, civil partner, cohabitating partner, divorced spouse, or person older than age&nbsp;16 who cares for the insured's dependent child) with gross earnings or income up to &euro;310 a week; and a dependent child younger than age&nbsp;18 (age&nbsp;22 if a <span class="nobr">full-time</span> student) if the insured's spouse, civil partner, or cohabiting partner has gross earnings or income up to &euro;400 a week.</p>
<p>The state pension (contributory) is payable abroad.</p>
<p>No early or deferred pension is paid.</p>
<p><span class="h4">State pension (noncontributory and means tested):</span> Paid to habitual residents aged&nbsp;66 (gradually rising&nbsp;to age&nbsp;67 by 2021 and age&nbsp;68 by 2028) or older with limited means who do not&nbsp;meet the contribution requirements&nbsp;for the contributory state pension.</p>
<p>Dependent's supplement: Paid for a qualified adult (a dependent spouse, civil partner cohabitating partner, divorced spouse, or person older than age&nbsp;16 who cares for the insured's dependent child) and a dependent child younger than age&nbsp;18 (age&nbsp;22 if a <span class="nobr">full-time</span> student).</p>
<p><span class="h4">Preretirement allowance (means tested):</span> Paid to residents aged&nbsp;55 to 66 with limited means who have received unemployment benefits for&nbsp;at&nbsp;least&nbsp;15&nbsp;months and have retired completely. (Preretirement allowance was abolished as of July&nbsp;4, 2007, except for those who were entitled to the benefit before that date.)</p>
<p>Employment must cease.</p>
<p>Dependent's supplement: Paid for a qualified adult (a dependent spouse, civil partner, cohabitating partner, divorced spouse, or person older than age&nbsp;16 who cares for the insured's dependent child) and a dependent child younger than age&nbsp;18 (age&nbsp;22 if a <span class="nobr">full-time</span> student).</p>
<p><span class="h4">Caregiver's benefit:</span>&nbsp;Aged&nbsp;16 to 66, employed for at least eight weeks during the previous 26&nbsp;weeks, and left the workforce to care for a person in need of constant attendance at home. The caregiver may be employed or self-employed for up to 15&nbsp;hours a week outside the home with weekly earnings up to &euro;332.50, must have at least 156 paid contributions with at least 39 paid in the last tax year or in the 12&nbsp;months before applying for the benefit, or at least 26 paid contributions in each of the last two tax years.</p>
<p>Dependent's supplement: Paid for a dependent child younger than age&nbsp;18 (age&nbsp;22 if a <span class="nobr">full-time</span> student) if the insured's spouse, civil partner, or cohabiting partner has gross earnings or income up to &euro;400 a week.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Caregiver's allowance (means tested):</span> Paid to residents aged&nbsp;18 or older with limited means who live with and care for a person aged&nbsp;16 or older requiring constant attendance. The caregiver may be employed or self-employed for&nbsp;up to&nbsp;15&nbsp;hours a week outside the home with weekly earnings up to &euro;332.50.</p>
<p>Dependent's supplement: Paid for a dependent child younger than age&nbsp;18 (age&nbsp;22 if a <span class="nobr">full-time</span> student).</p>
<p><span class="h4">Respite care grant:</span> Paid to persons receiving the caregiver's benefit, caregiver's allowance, or home care allowance (see Family Allowances).</p>
<p><span class="h4">Disability pension (invalidity pension):</span>&nbsp;Assessed with a permanent incapacity for work and has at least 260&nbsp;weeks of paid contributions with at least 48&nbsp;weeks paid or credited in the last tax year. The benefit is paid after receiving&nbsp;cash sickness benefits for a year (or less than a year for a severe incapacity).</p>
<p>The&nbsp;Department of Social Protection assesses and periodically reviews the incapacity for work&nbsp;following a medical examination.</p>
<p>Dependent's supplement: Paid for a qualified adult (a dependent spouse, civil partner, cohabitating partner, divorced spouse, or person older than age&nbsp;16 who cares for the insured's dependent child) with gross earnings or income up to &euro;310 a week; and&nbsp;a dependent child younger than age&nbsp;18 (age&nbsp;22 if a <span class="nobr">full-time</span> student) if the insured's spouse, civil partner, or cohabiting partner has gross earnings or income up to &euro;400 a week.</p>
<p>The disability pension is payable abroad.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Blind person's pension (means tested):</span> Paid to habitual residents aged&nbsp;18 or older with severely reduced vision and limited means.</p>
<p>Dependent's supplement: Paid for a qualified adult (a dependent spouse, civil partner, cohabitating partner, divorced spouse, or person older than age&nbsp;16 who cares for the insured's dependent child) with gross earnings or income up to &euro;310 a week; and a dependent child younger than age&nbsp;18 (age&nbsp;22 if a <span class="nobr">full-time</span> student) if the insured's spouse, civil partner, or cohabiting partner has gross earnings or income up to &euro;400 a week.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Disability allowance (means tested):</span> Paid to habitual residents aged&nbsp;16 to 66 with limited means who are assessed with a physical or mental disability and substantially restricted in carrying out work that would otherwise be suitable for a person of their age, experience, and qualifications.</p>
<p>Dependent's supplement: Paid for a qualified adult (a dependent spouse, civil partner,&nbsp;cohabitating partner, divorced spouse, or person older than age&nbsp;16 who cares for the insured's dependent child) and a dependent child younger than age&nbsp;18 (age&nbsp;22 if a <span class="nobr">full-time</span> student).</p>
<p><span class="h4"><span class="nobr">Widow(er)'s</span> pension (contributory):</span> The deceased or the deceased's spouse must have at least&nbsp;260&nbsp;weeks of paid contributions&nbsp;with an annual average of at least 39&nbsp;weeks of paid or credited contributions in either the last three or five tax years before the date the spouse died or reached age&nbsp;66.</p>
<p>Partial pension: Paid with an annual average of 24 to 47&nbsp;weeks of paid or credited contributions since&nbsp;starting insured employment.</p>
<p>Widowed parents who do not qualify for the contributory pension may be entitled to the one-parent family payment (see Family Allowances).</p>
<p>Dependent's supplement: Paid for a dependent child younger than age&nbsp;18 (age&nbsp;22 if a <span class="nobr">full-time</span> student).</p>
<p><span class="h4">Widowed parent's grant:</span> Paid on the death of a spouse on or after December&nbsp;1, 1999, to a <span class="nobr">widow(er)</span> with at least one qualified child and entitled to certain benefits.</p>
<p>Contributory survivor benefits are payable abroad.</p>
<p><span class="h4"><span class="nobr">Widow(er)'s</span> pension (noncontributory and means tested):</span> Paid to widowed habitual residents with limited means who are not cohabiting,&nbsp;do not qualify for a contributory <span class="nobr">widow(er)'s</span> pension, and do not have dependent children.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Guardian's payment (contributory):</span> Paid to the guardian of an orphan if the child's&nbsp;parent or stepparent had at least 26&nbsp;weeks of paid contributions. Children must be younger than age&nbsp;18 (age&nbsp;22 if a <span class="nobr">full-time</span> student).</p>
<p><span class="h4">Guardian's payment (noncontributory and means tested):</span> Paid to&nbsp;a habitually resident guardian of an orphan with&nbsp;limited means. Children must be younger than age&nbsp;18 (age&nbsp;22 if a <span class="nobr">full-time</span> student).</p>
<h3>Old-Age Benefits</h3>
<p><span class="h4">State pension (transition):</span> The full weekly pension is &euro;230.30.</p>
<p>Partial pension: &euro;196 to &euro;225.90 a week is paid.</p>
<p>Dependent's supplement: Up to &euro;153.50 a week is paid for a qualified adult younger than age&nbsp;66, up to &euro;206.30 a week if aged&nbsp;66 or older (reduced rates if the qualified adult receives a partial pension or&nbsp;has earnings or income from &euro;100 to &euro;310 a week),&nbsp;and &euro;29.80 a week for each dependent child (&euro;14.90 if not receiving&nbsp;a supplement for a qualified adult and&nbsp;the insured's&nbsp;spouse, civil partner, or cohabiting partner has earnings or income&nbsp;from &euro;310 to &euro;400 a week).</p>
<p><span class="h4">State pension (contributory):</span> The full weekly pension is &euro;230.30. An additional &euro;10 a week is paid if aged&nbsp;80 or older; an additional &euro;7.70 a week is paid if aged&nbsp;66 or older,&nbsp;unmarried, and living alone.</p>
<p>Partial pension: From &euro;92 to &euro;225.80 a week is paid.</p>
<p>Dependent's supplement: Up to &euro;153.50 a week is paid for a qualified adult younger than age&nbsp;66, up to&nbsp;&euro;206.30 a week if aged&nbsp;66 or older (reduced rates if the qualified adult&nbsp;receives a partial pension or&nbsp;has earnings or income from &euro;100 to &euro;310 a week), and &euro;29.80 a week for each dependent child (&euro;14.90 if not receiving a&nbsp;supplement for a&nbsp;qualified&nbsp;adult and the insured's&nbsp;spouse, civil partner, or cohabiting&nbsp;partner has earnings or income from &euro;310 to &euro;400 a week).</p>
<p><span class="h4">State pension (noncontributory and means tested):</span> Up to &euro;219 a week is paid. An additional &euro;10&nbsp;a week is paid if aged&nbsp;80 or older; an additional&nbsp;&euro;7.70 a week if aged&nbsp;66 or older,&nbsp;unmarried, and living alone.</p>
<p>Dependent's supplement: Up to &euro;144.70 a week is paid for a qualified adult and &euro;29.80 for each dependent child&nbsp;(&euro;14.90 if not receiving a supplement&nbsp;for a qualified adult).</p>
<p><span class="h4">Preretirement allowance (means tested):</span> Up to &euro;188 a week is paid.</p>
<p>Dependent's supplement: &euro;124.80 a week is paid for a qualified adult and &euro;29.80 a week is paid for a dependent child&nbsp;(&euro;14.90 if not receiving a supplement&nbsp;for a qualified adult).</p>
<p><span class="h4">Caregiver's benefit:</span> Up to &euro;205 a week is paid if caring for one person; &euro;306 a week if caring for two or more persons.</p>
<p>Dependent's supplement: &euro;29.80 a week for&nbsp;each dependent child&nbsp;(&euro;14.90 a week for each child if not receiving a supplement&nbsp;for a qualified adult and the insured's spouse, civil partner, or cohabiting partner has earnings or income from &euro;310 to &euro;400 a week).</p>
<p><span class="h4">Caregiver's allowance (means tested):</span> Up to &euro;204 a week is paid if caring for one person; &euro;307.50 a week if caring for two or more persons; &euro;239 a week if caring for a person aged&nbsp;66 or older; &euro;358 a week for two or more persons aged&nbsp;66 or older.</p>
<p>Dependent's supplement:&nbsp;&euro;29.80 is paid for each dependent child (&euro;14.90 if not receiving a supplement&nbsp;for a qualified adult).</p>
<p>50% of the caregiver's allowance is paid to persons receiving certain social welfare payments in addition to the caregiver's allowance.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Respite care grant:</span> &euro;1,375 a year is paid.</p>
<p>Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted annually.</p>
<h3>Permanent Disability Benefits</h3>
<p><span class="h4">Disability pension (invalidity pension):</span> &euro;193.50 a week is paid; &euro;230.30 a week if aged&nbsp;65 or older. An additional &euro;7.70 a week is paid&nbsp;if aged&nbsp;66 or older, unmarried, and living alone; an additional&nbsp;&euro;12.70 a week if aged&nbsp;66 or older and&nbsp;living on certain offshore islands.</p>
<p>Dependent's supplement: Up to &euro;138.10 a week is paid for a qualified adult younger than age&nbsp;66, &euro;206.30 a week if aged&nbsp;66 or older (reduced rates if the qualified adult has earnings or income from &euro;100 to &euro;310 a week)&nbsp;and &euro;29.80 a week for each dependent child (&euro;14.90 a week if not receiving a supplement&nbsp;for a qualified adult and the insured's spouse, civil partner, or cohabiting partner has earnings or income from &euro;310 to &euro;400 a week).</p>
<p><span class="h4">Blind person's pension (means tested):</span> Up to &euro;188 a week is paid. An additional &euro;10 a week is paid&nbsp;if aged&nbsp;80 or older; an additional &euro;7.70 a week if aged&nbsp;66 or older, unmarried, and living alone.</p>
<p>Dependent's supplement: Up to &euro;124.80 a week is paid for a qualified adult (reduced rates if the qualified adult has earnings or income from &euro;100 to &euro;310 a week) and &euro;29.80 a week for each dependent child (&euro;14.90 if not receiving a supplement&nbsp;for a qualified adult and the insured's spouse, civil partner, or cohabiting partner has&nbsp;earnings or income from &euro;310 to &euro;400 a week).&nbsp;</p>
<p><span class="h4">Disability allowance (means tested):</span> Up to &euro;188 a week is paid. An additional &euro;7.70 a week is paid&nbsp;if aged&nbsp;66 or older and&nbsp;living alone.</p>
<p>Dependent's supplement: &euro;124.80 a week is paid for a qualified adult and &euro;29.80 a week is paid for a dependent child (&euro;14.90 if not receiving a supplement&nbsp;for a qualified adult).</p>
<h3>Survivor Benefits</h3>
<p><span class="h4"><span class="nobr">Widow(er)'s</span> pension (contributory):</span> &euro;193.50 a week is paid; &euro;230.30 a week if aged&nbsp;66 to 79; and &euro;240.30 a week if aged&nbsp;80 or older. An additional &euro;7.70 a week is paid if aged&nbsp;66 or older, unmarried, and living alone.</p>
<p>Partial pension: A reduced pension is paid.</p>
<p>Dependent's supplement: &euro;29.80 is paid for each&nbsp;dependent child.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Guardian's payment (contributory):</span> &euro;161 a week is paid.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Widowed parent's grant:</span> A lump sum of &euro;6,000 is paid.</p>
<p><span class="h4"><span class="nobr">Widow(er)'s</span> pension (noncontributory and means tested):</span> Up to &euro;188 a week is paid.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Guardian's payment (noncontributory and means tested):</span> Up to &euro;161 a week is paid.</p>
<p>Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted annually.</p>
<h3>Administrative Organization</h3>
<p>Department of Social Protection (<a href="https://www.gov.ie/en/organisation/department-of-social-protection/">http://www.welfare.ie</a>) administers the program.</p>
<p>Revenue Commissioners collect contributions for insured persons.</p>
<h2>Sickness and Maternity</h2>
<h3>Regulatory Framework</h3>
<p><span class="h4">First law:</span> 1911.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Current laws:</span> 1970 (health) and 2005 (social welfare).</p>
<p><span class="h4">Type of program:</span> Social insurance (cash benefits) and universal (medical care) system.</p>
<h3>Coverage</h3>
<p><span class="h4">Cash sickness and maternity benefits:</span> Employees younger than age&nbsp;66 and self-employed persons (cash maternity benefits only), including most household workers.</p>
<p>Exclusions: <span class="nobr">Part-time</span> employees earning less than &euro;38 a week; permanent civil servants who began working before April&nbsp;6, 1995; and casual household workers.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Medical benefits:</span> All persons residing in Ireland.</p>
<h3>Source of Funds</h3>
<p><span class="h4">Insured person:</span> See source of funds under Old Age, Disability, and Survivors.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Self-employed person:</span> See source of funds under Old Age, Disability, and Survivors.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Employer:</span> See source of funds under Old Age, Disability, and Survivors.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Government</span></p>
<p><span class="h5">Cash sickness and maternity benefits:</span> See source of funds under Old Age, Disability, and Survivors.</p>
<p><span class="h5">Medical benefits:</span> The total cost for low-income residents and part of the cost for the rest of the population.</p>
<h3>Qualifying Conditions</h3>
<p><span class="h4">Cash sickness benefits:</span> Must be younger than age&nbsp;66 with at least 104&nbsp;weeks of paid contributions since starting work and at least 39&nbsp;weeks of paid or credited contributions in the second to last tax year before the benefit is claimed (of which 13&nbsp;weeks must be paid in at least one of the last five tax years, including the current tax year),&nbsp;or at least 26&nbsp;weeks of paid contributions in&nbsp;each of the two tax years before the benefit is claimed. (The requirement for 13&nbsp;weeks of paid contributions does not apply if the insured received a <span class="nobr">long-term</span> job seeker's allowance,&nbsp;disability pension, caregiver's benefit, caregiver's allowance, or preretirement allowance immediately before claiming the benefit.)</p>
<p>Dependent's supplement: Paid for a qualified adult (a dependent spouse, civil partner, cohabitating partner, divorced spouse, or person older than age&nbsp;16 who cares for the insured's dependent child) with gross earnings or income up to &euro;310 a week; and a dependent child younger than age&nbsp;18 (age&nbsp;22 if a <span class="nobr">full-time</span> student) if the insured's spouse, civil partner, or cohabiting partner has gross earnings or income up to &euro;400 a week.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Cash maternity benefits:</span> Must have at least 39&nbsp;weeks of paid contributions in the year immediately before maternity leave; at least 39&nbsp;weeks of paid contributions since starting work&nbsp;and at least 39&nbsp;weeks of paid or credited contributions in either the second to last or the last tax year before the benefit is claimed; or at least 26&nbsp;weeks of paid contributions in each of the two tax years before the benefit is claimed.</p>
<p>Self-employed women must have at least 52&nbsp;weeks of paid contributions in either of the last two tax years.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Adoption benefit:</span> Must have at least 39&nbsp;weeks of paid contributions in the year immediately before the adopted child's placement date; at least 39&nbsp;weeks of paid contributions since starting work and at least 39&nbsp;weeks of paid or credited contributions in either the second to last or the last tax year before the benefit is claimed; or at least 26&nbsp;weeks of paid contributions in each of the two tax years before the benefit is claimed.</p>
<p>Self-employed persons must have at least 52&nbsp;weeks of paid contributions in either of the last two tax years.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Health and safety benefits:</span> Paid to pregnant workers who are exposed to certain workplace-related risks or who work night shifts, to workers who have given birth in the last 14&nbsp;weeks and work night shifts, and to workers who are breastfeeding (up to 26&nbsp;weeks after giving birth) and exposed to certain workplace-related risks. The insured&nbsp;must meet the contribution&nbsp;requirements for the maternity benefit.</p>
<p>Dependent's supplement: Paid for a qualified adult (a dependent spouse, civil partner, cohabitating partner, divorced spouse, or person older than age&nbsp;16 who cares for the insured's dependent child) with gross earnings or income up to &euro;310 a week; and a dependent child younger than age&nbsp;18 (age&nbsp;22 if a <span class="nobr">full-time</span> student) if the insured's spouse, civil partner, or cohabiting partner has gross earnings or income up to &euro;400 a week.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Medical benefits:</span> Full eligibility for medical-card holders (low-income residents and residents older than age&nbsp;70 with income less than &euro;700 a week); limited eligibility for those with moderate or high income.</p>
<h3>Sickness and Maternity Benefits</h3>
<p><span class="h4">Sickness benefit:</span> Up to &euro;188 a week is paid, depending on weekly income. The benefit is paid after a three-day waiting period <span class="nobr">(six-day</span> waiting period as of January&nbsp;6, 2014) for up to 52&nbsp;weeks; may be extended up to two years with at least 260&nbsp;weeks of contributions.</p>
<p>Dependent's supplement: Up to &euro;124.80 a week is paid for a qualified adult (reduced rates if the qualified adult has earnings or income from &euro;100 to &euro;310 a week) and &euro;29.80 a week for a dependent child (&euro;14.90 if not receiving a supplement&nbsp;for a qualified adult and the insured's spouse, civil partner, or cohabiting partner has earnings or income from &euro;310 to &euro;400 a week).</p>
<p><span class="h4">Maternity benefit:</span> For maternity leave that began before January&nbsp;6, 2014,&nbsp;80% of weekly earnings is paid for 26&nbsp;weeks, including at least two weeks (up to 16&nbsp;weeks) before the expected date of childbirth.</p>
<p>The minimum weekly&nbsp;benefit for maternity leave that began before January&nbsp;6, 2014, is &euro;217.80 or the cash sickness benefit rate (including dependent's supplements), whichever is greater.</p>
<p>The maximum weekly benefit for maternity leave&nbsp;that began&nbsp;before January&nbsp;6, 2014,&nbsp;is &euro;262.</p>
<p>For maternity leave&nbsp;beginning&nbsp;on or after January&nbsp;6, 2014, &euro;230 a week or the cash sickness benefit rate (including dependent's supplements), whichever is greater, is paid for 26&nbsp;weeks.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Adoption benefit:</span> For adoption leave&nbsp;that began&nbsp;before January&nbsp;6, 2014, 80% of weekly earnings is paid for 24&nbsp;weeks.</p>
<p>The minimum weekly benefit for adoption leave&nbsp;that began&nbsp;before January&nbsp;6, 2014, is &euro;217.80 or the cash sickness benefit rate (including dependent's supplements), whichever is greater.</p>
<p>The maximum weekly benefit for adoption leave&nbsp;that began&nbsp;before January&nbsp;6, 2014, is &euro;262.</p>
<p>For adoption leave beginning on or after January&nbsp;6, 2014, &euro;230 a week or the cash sickness benefit rate (including dependent's supplements), whichever is greater, is paid for 24&nbsp;weeks.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Health and safety benefit:</span> Up to &euro;188 a week, depending on earnings, is paid after a <span class="nobr">21-day</span> waiting period&nbsp;until the insured becomes eligible for maternity benefits; for 14&nbsp;weeks following childbirth if the mother works at night; or for 26&nbsp;weeks following childbirth if breastfeeding. The employer pays the first consecutive 21&nbsp;days.</p>
<p>Dependent's supplement: Up to &euro;124.80 a week is paid for a qualified adult (reduced rates if the qualified adult has earnings or income from &euro;100 to &euro;310 a week) and &euro;29.80 a week&nbsp;for a dependent child (&euro;14.90 if not receiving a supplement for a qualified adult and the insured's spouse, civil partner, or cohabiting partner has earnings or income from &euro;310 to &euro;400 a week).</p>
<h3>Workers' Medical Benefits</h3>
<p>All services are provided free in public clinics and hospital wards to medical-card holders (means tested); partial cost sharing for others.</p>
<p>Benefits include outpatient and inpatient care; specialist and laboratory services; maternity and infant care; and optical, limited dental, and hearing treatment. Free prescription drugs are available to medical-card holders; partial cost sharing for those without a medical card.</p>
<p>Patients without a medical card receive hospital outpatient services free of charge; a fee of &euro;100 applies only to a first visit for an accident or emergency that is not referred by a general practitioner. Inpatient care is &euro;75 a night, up to &euro;750 in one year.</p>
<h3>Dependents' Medical Benefits</h3>
<p>Medical benefits for dependents are the same as those for the insured.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Administrative Organization</h3>
<p><span class="h4">Cash benefits:</span> Department of Social Protection (<a href="https://www.gov.ie/en/organisation/department-of-social-protection/">http://www.welfare.ie</a>) administers benefits.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Medical benefits:</span> Department of Health and Children (<a href="https://www.gov.ie/en/organisation/department-of-health/">http://</a>health.gov.ie) administers services and benefits through the Health Service Executive.</p>
<p>Private practitioners for the Department of Social Protection provide optical, dental, and hearing treatment services.</p>
<p>Health Service Executive (<a href="https://www.hse.ie">http://www.hse.ie</a>) provides services through its own institutions, and clinics, or elsewhere by arrangement.</p>
<h2>Work Injury</h2>
<h3>Regulatory Framework</h3>
<p><span class="h4">First law:</span> 1897 (workmen's compensation act).</p>
<p><span class="h4">Current law:</span> 2005 (social welfare).</p>
<p><span class="h4">Type of program:</span> Social insurance system.</p>
<h3>Coverage</h3>
<p>Employed persons.</p>
<p>Exclusions: Self-employed persons, household workers, and military personnel. Permanent&nbsp;civil servants who began working before April&nbsp;6, 1995, are not covered for injury benefits but are covered for other benefits under the work injury program.</p>
<h3>Source of Funds</h3>
<p><span class="h4">Insured person:</span> See source of funds under Old Age, Disability, and Survivors.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Self-employed person:</span> Not applicable.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Employer:</span> See source of funds under Old Age, Disability, and Survivors.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Government:</span> Any deficit for private-sector employees and the total cost for public-sector employees.</p>
<h3>Qualifying Conditions</h3>
<p><span class="h4">Work injury benefits:</span> Must be assessed with a work injury or an occupational disease. There is no minimum qualifying period.</p>
<h3>Temporary Disability Benefits</h3>
<p><span class="h4">Injury benefit:</span> &euro;188 a week is paid after a three-day waiting period <span class="nobr">(six-day</span> waiting period as of January&nbsp;6, 2014) for up to 156&nbsp;days (excluding Sunday) starting from the date of the accident or the onset of the occupational disease. (Cash sickness benefits may be paid after 26&nbsp;weeks, see Sickness and Maternity).</p>
<p>The disability is reviewed after a provisional period, unless the degree of disability is assessed as permanent.</p>
<p>Dependent's supplement: Up to &euro;124.80 a week is paid for a qualified adult (a dependent spouse, cohabitating partner, or divorced spouse, or person older than age&nbsp;16 who cares for the insured's dependent child) with gross earnings or income up to &euro;310 a week (reduced rates if the qualified adult has earnings or income from &euro;100 to &euro;310 a week); and up to &euro;29.80 a week&nbsp;for a dependent child younger than age&nbsp;18 (age&nbsp;22 if a <span class="nobr">full-time</span> student) if the insured's spouse, civil partner, or cohabiting partner has earnings or income up to &euro;400 a week (&euro;14.90 a week if not receiving a supplement for a qualified adult and the insured's spouse, civil partner, or cohabiting partner has earnings or income from &euro;310 to &euro;400 a week).</p>
<h3>Permanent Disability Benefits</h3>
<p><span class="h4">Disablement benefit:</span> &euro;219 a week is paid with at least a 90% assessed degree of disability.</p>
<p>Partial disability: With an assessed degree of 20% to 89%, a percentage of the full benefit is paid according to the assessed degree of disability; with 1% up to 20%, a lump sum of up to &euro;15,320 is paid, according to the assessed degree of disability.</p>
<p>The disability is assessed by the Department of Social Protection following a medical examination.</p>
<p>Dependent's supplement: Up to &euro;124.80 a week is paid for a qualified adult (a dependent spouse, civil partner, cohabitating partner, divorced spouse, or person older than age&nbsp;16 who cares for the insured's dependent child) with earnings or income up to &euro;310 a week (reduced rates if the qualified adult has earnings or income from &euro;100 to &euro;310 a week); and up to &euro;29.80 a week&nbsp;for a dependent child younger than age&nbsp;18 (age&nbsp;22 if a <span class="nobr">full-time</span> student) if the insured's spouse, civil partner, or cohabiting partner has earnings or income&nbsp;up to &euro;400 a week&nbsp;(&euro;14.90 a week if not receiving a supplement for a qualified adult and the insured's&nbsp;spouse, civil partner, or cohabiting partner has earnings or income from &euro;310 to &euro;400 a week).</p>
<p>Constant-attendance allowance: &euro;205 a week is paid if the insured requires the constant attendance of others to perform daily functions.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Incapacity supplement:</span> &euro;188 a week is paid if the insured is ineligible for cash sickness benefits (see&nbsp;Sickness and Maternity) and is permanently incapable of work.</p>
<p>Dependent's supplement: Up to &euro;124.80 a week is paid for a qualified adult (a dependent spouse, civil partner, cohabitating partner, divorced spouse, or person older than age&nbsp;16 who cares for the insured's dependent child) with earnings or income up to &euro;310 a week (reduced rates if the qualified adult has earnings or income from &euro;100 to &euro;310 a week); and up to &euro;29.80 a week&nbsp;for a dependent child younger than age&nbsp;18 (age&nbsp;22 if a <span class="nobr">full-time</span> student) if the insured's spouse, civil partner, or cohabiting partner has earnings or income up to &euro;400 a week (&euro;14.90 a week if not receiving a supplement for a qualified adult and the insured's spouse, civil partner, or cohabiting partner has earnings or income from &euro;310 to &euro;400 a week).</p>
<p>Constant-attendance allowance: &euro;205 a week is paid if the insured requires the constant attendance of others to perform daily functions.</p>
<h3>Workers' Medical Benefits</h3>
<p><span class="h4">Medical benefits:</span>&nbsp;The Health Service Executive provides all general medical services.</p>
<p>The Department of Social Protection pays for a range of additional necessary medical care and transportation not covered under general medical benefits, including specialist care, prescriptions, medical and surgical appliances prescribed by a general practitioner, dental and eye treatment and appliances, treatment prescribed by a general practitioner such as physical therapy, nursing care, and traveling expenses to and from the place where medical care is provided.</p>
<h3>Survivor Benefits</h3>
<p><span class="h4">Spouse's pension:</span> &euro;218.50 a week is paid to a <span class="nobr">widow(er)</span> younger than age&nbsp;66; &euro;234.70 a week if aged&nbsp;66 to 79; or &euro;244.70 a week if aged&nbsp;80 or older. An additional &euro;7.70 a week is paid if aged&nbsp;66 or older, unmarried, and living alone.</p>
<p>Dependent's supplement: &euro;29.80 is paid for each dependent child.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Orphan's pension:</span> &euro;164.80 a week is paid for each child younger than age&nbsp;18 (age&nbsp;22 if a <span class="nobr">full-time</span> student).</p>
<p><span class="h4">Dependent parent's pension:</span> If the deceased was single, &euro;218.50 a week is paid to the first parent and &euro;105.50 a week to the other parent. If the deceased was married, &euro;105.50 a week is paid to each parent.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Funeral grant:</span> A lump sum of &euro;850 is paid.</p>
<h3>Administrative Organization</h3>
<p>Department of Social Protection (<a href="https://www.gov.ie/en/organisation/department-of-social-protection/">http://www.welfare.ie</a>) administers cash benefits.</p>
<p>Department of Health and Children (<a href="https://www.gov.ie/en/organisation/department-of-health/">http://</a>health.gov .ie) administers medical services and benefits through the Health Service Executive.</p>
<p>Health Service Executive (<a href="https://www.hse.ie">http://www.hse.ie</a>) provides services through its own institutions, and clinics, or elsewhere by arrangement.</p>
<h2>Unemployment</h2>
<h3>Regulatory Framework</h3>
<p><span class="h4">First law:</span> 1911.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Current law:</span> 2005 (social welfare).</p>
<p><span class="h4">Type of program:</span> Social insurance and social assistance system.</p>
<h3>Coverage</h3>
<p>Employees younger than age&nbsp;66, including most household workers.</p>
<p>Exclusions: Certain <span class="nobr">part-time</span> employees; self-employed persons; permanent&nbsp;civil servants who began working before April&nbsp;6, 1995; and casual household workers.</p>
<h3>Source of Funds</h3>
<p><span class="h4">Insured person:</span> See source of funds under Old Age, Disability, and Survivors.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Self-employed person:</span> Not applicable.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Employer:</span> See source of funds under Old Age, Disability, and Survivors.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Government:</span> Any deficit in the social insurance fund and the total cost of means-tested assistance.</p>
<h3>Qualifying Conditions</h3>
<p><span class="h4">Job seeker's benefit:</span> Aged&nbsp;18 to 65, unemployed for at least&nbsp;four days in seven consecutive days; at least 104&nbsp;weeks of paid contributions since starting work and at least 39&nbsp;weeks paid or credited (of which 13 must be paid) in the last complete&nbsp;tax year or at least 26&nbsp;weeks of paid contributions in the second or third to&nbsp;last complete&nbsp;tax year.</p>
<p>The applicant must have suffered substantial loss of employment and be available for, genuinely seeking, and capable of work and be registered at a Social Welfare Local Office.</p>
<p>Unemployment must not be due to voluntary leaving, misconduct, refusal of a suitable job offer (the insured may be disqualified for up to nine weeks), or a trade union dispute (the insured is disqualified for the duration of the dispute).</p>
<p>Dependent's supplement: Paid for a qualified adult (a dependent spouse, civil partner, cohabitating partner, divorced spouse, or person older than age&nbsp;16 who cares for the insured's dependent child) with gross earnings or income up to &euro;310 a week; and a dependent child younger than age&nbsp;18 (age&nbsp;22 if a <span class="nobr">full-time</span> student) if the insured's spouse, civil partner, or cohabiting partner has gross earnings or income up to &euro;400 a week.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Job seeker's allowance (means tested):</span> Aged&nbsp;18 to 65,&nbsp;habitual resident with limited means,&nbsp;unemployed for at least&nbsp;four days in seven consecutive days, and does not&nbsp;meet the contribution requirements for the job seeker's benefit.</p>
<p>The applicant must be available for, genuinely seeking, and capable of work and be registered at a Social Welfare Local Office.</p>
<p>Unemployment must not be due to voluntary leaving, misconduct, refusal of a suitable job offer (the insured may be disqualified for up to nine weeks), or a trade union dispute (the insured is disqualified for the duration of the dispute).</p>
<p>Dependent's supplement: Paid for a qualified adult (a dependent spouse, civil partner, cohabitating partner, divorced spouse, or person older than age&nbsp;16 who cares for the insured's dependent child) and a dependent child younger than age&nbsp;18 (age&nbsp;22 if a <span class="nobr">full-time</span> student).</p>
<h3>Unemployment Benefits</h3>
<p><span class="h4">Job seeker's benefit:</span> Up to &euro;188 a week is paid for up to 312&nbsp;days with at least 260 contributions (up to six months if younger than age&nbsp;18; up to 234&nbsp;days with less than 260 contributions).</p>
<p>A daily rate is paid to a person employed <span class="nobr">part-time</span> (at least three days a week) after losing a <span class="nobr">full-time</span> position.</p>
<p>Dependent's supplement: Up to &euro;124.80 a week is paid for a qualified adult (reduced rates if the qualified adult receives a partial pension or has earnings or income from &euro;100 to &euro;310 a week) and &euro;29.80 a week&nbsp;for a dependent child&nbsp;(&euro;14.90 if not receiving a supplement&nbsp;for a qualified adult and the insured's spouse, civil partner, or cohabiting partner has earnings or income from &euro;310 to &euro;400 a week).</p>
<p><span class="h4">Job seeker's allowance (means tested):</span> Up to &euro;188 a week is paid.</p>
<p>Dependent's supplement: &euro;124.80 a week is paid for a qualified adult&nbsp;and &euro;29.80 a week for a dependent child.</p>
<p>A daily rate is paid to a person employed <span class="nobr">part-time</span> (at least three days a week) after losing a <span class="nobr">full-time</span> position.</p>
<h3>Administrative Organization</h3>
<p>Department of Social Protection (<a href="https://www.gov.ie/en/organisation/department-of-social-protection/">http://www.welfare.ie</a>) administers the program.</p>
<h2>Family Allowances</h2>
<h3>Regulatory Framework</h3>
<p><span class="h4">First laws:</span> 1944 (child benefit), 1984 (family income support),&nbsp;and 1996 (one-parent family payment).</p>
<p><span class="h4">Current law:</span> 2005 (social welfare).</p>
<p><span class="h4">Type of program:</span> Universal (child benefit) and social assistance system.</p>
<h3>Coverage</h3>
<p>All persons residing in Ireland with one or more children.</p>
<h3>Source of Funds</h3>
<p><span class="h4">Insured person:</span> None, except for adoption benefits. See source of funds under Old Age, Disability, and Survivors.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Self-employed person:</span> None, except for adoption benefits. See source of funds under Old Age, Disability, and Survivors.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Employer:</span> None, except for adoption benefits. See source of funds under Old Age, Disability, and Survivors.&nbsp;</p>
<p><span class="h4">Government:</span> The total cost, except for adoption benefits. See source of funds under Old Age, Disability, and Survivors.</p>
<h3>Qualifying Conditions</h3>
<p><span class="h4">Child benefit:</span> Paid for a child younger than age&nbsp;16 (age&nbsp;18 if a student or disabled).</p>
<p><span class="h4">One-parent family payment (means and earnings tested):</span> Paid to a single noncohabiting parent with at least one dependent child. (The age limit for a qualifying dependent child is being gradually reduced from age&nbsp;18 in 2012 to age&nbsp;7 in 2014.) The parent must have limited means and weekly earnings of &euro;425 or less.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Widowed parent's grant:</span> Paid when a spouse dies to a person widowed on or after December&nbsp;1, 1999, who is entitled to the one-parent family payment.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Family income supplement (income tested):</span> Paid to parents employed full time (at least 19&nbsp;hours a week or 38&nbsp;hours every two weeks) who have an average weekly joint income below &euro;506 for one child or &euro;602 for two children; increasing to &euro;1,298 for a family with eight or more children (the joint-income threshold increase varies from &euro;96 to &euro;136 for each additional child). At least one child must be younger than age&nbsp;18 (age&nbsp;22 if a <span class="nobr">full-time</span> student).</p>
<p>The benefit is paid for 52&nbsp;weeks while employed.</p>
<p>Once the benefit is paid, it is not affected by changes in family income or short periods of illness.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Home care allowance (domiciliary care):</span> Paid for the <span class="nobr">full-time</span> at-home care of a child with a disability younger than age&nbsp;16.</p>
<h3>Family Allowance Benefits</h3>
<p><span class="h4">Child benefit:</span> &euro;130 a month is paid for&nbsp;each&nbsp;child. For twins, the child benefit is paid at 1.5&nbsp;times the monthly rate. For triplets or more, the benefit is paid at double the monthly rate.</p>
<p><span class="h4">One-parent family payment (means and earnings tested):</span> Up to &euro;188 a week is paid.</p>
<p>Dependent's supplement: &euro;29.80 is paid for each dependent child.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Widowed parent's grant:</span> A lump sum of &euro;6,000 is paid.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Family income supplement (income tested):</span> 60% of the difference between family income and the applicable income threshold is paid, depending on the number of children. The supplement is paid for 52&nbsp;weeks while the parent or parents are employed.</p>
<p>The minimum weekly supplement is &euro;20.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Home care allowance (domiciliary care):</span> &euro;309.50 a month is paid, depending on the child's means from other sources.</p>
<h3>Administrative Organization</h3>
<p>Department of Social Protection (<a href="https://www.gov.ie/en/organisation/department-of-social-protection/">http://www.welfare.ie</a>) administers allowances.</p>
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