How do I qualify for the Contributory State Pension?

Question: I intend retiring later this year at the age of 60. What should I do to make sure I qualify for the State Pension (Contributory)? Answer: There are rules about the number of PRSI contributions you must have to qualify for the State Pension (Contributory). If you are aged under 66 and you are no longer working and paying PRSI contributions or signing for credits, you may be eligible to make voluntary contributions to help maintain your social insurance record. To be eligible to make voluntary contributions you must: â€Â¢ Have a certain number of PRSI contributions paid under compulsory insurance in either employment or self-employment. Apply to make your voluntary contributions within 12 months after the end of the last completed contribution year during which you last paid compulsory insurance or you were last awarded a credited contribution. â€Â¢ Agree to pay voluntary contributions from the start of the contribution week that follows the week in which you leave compulsory insurance. The number of paid PRSI contributions you must have to become a voluntary contributor is changing. Up to April 6 2013 you had to have at least 260 PRSI contributions paid under compulsory insurance. From April 6, if you want to become a voluntary contributor you will need to have at least 364 PRSI contributions paid. The rate of voluntary contribution you will have to pay depends on the last class of PRSI you pay. If you paid PRSI at class A, E or H you pay a contribution rate of 6.6% of your reckonable income in the previous tax year, subject to a minimum payment of €500. If you paid PRSI at class S you pay a special flat rate of €500. You must pay the full contribution for the year no later than five months after the end of the year in which the payment is due. To become a voluntary contributor, you must complete application form VC 1 and return it to Client Eligibility Services, Social Welfare Services, Cork Road, Waterford.