I've made queries here before about this issue - many thanks to all who helped and I hope that someone can help this time too.
My brother in law working in a local authority, after much deliberation, is finally retiring before the normal age (he is almost 62) and, although he is retiring due to increasing ill health, does not want to actually declare this or get it certified officially (long story!). He has completed more than 40 years of service, so his pension and lump sum will be the same, regardless.
However, my sister has heard that he needs to maintain his PRSI record of payments so that she will be entitled to the contributory old age pension should he die before her. As his pension will then be halved, this will have a considerable effect on her income - there's something about average contributions in the calculation?
I've done some research online on her behalf and it appears that he ought to do one of three things 1) get his doctor to certify this permanent ill health retirement, 2) sign on to maintain credits and declare himself available and seeking work (not going to happen!) or 3) make voluntary annual payments.
My BIL thinks this can't be true and that none of his colleagues or the HR department have any information about this. My sister is worried and I really don't know what to advise since he is adamant that none of the three options suit him and he shouldn't have to do anything as he's paid 40 years+ of everything. Does anyone know anything about this or have any advice they can offer? Can she make enquiries on his behalf with PRSI or will it have to be him?
My brother in law working in a local authority, after much deliberation, is finally retiring before the normal age (he is almost 62) and, although he is retiring due to increasing ill health, does not want to actually declare this or get it certified officially (long story!). He has completed more than 40 years of service, so his pension and lump sum will be the same, regardless.
However, my sister has heard that he needs to maintain his PRSI record of payments so that she will be entitled to the contributory old age pension should he die before her. As his pension will then be halved, this will have a considerable effect on her income - there's something about average contributions in the calculation?
I've done some research online on her behalf and it appears that he ought to do one of three things 1) get his doctor to certify this permanent ill health retirement, 2) sign on to maintain credits and declare himself available and seeking work (not going to happen!) or 3) make voluntary annual payments.
My BIL thinks this can't be true and that none of his colleagues or the HR department have any information about this. My sister is worried and I really don't know what to advise since he is adamant that none of the three options suit him and he shouldn't have to do anything as he's paid 40 years+ of everything. Does anyone know anything about this or have any advice they can offer? Can she make enquiries on his behalf with PRSI or will it have to be him?