Emigrant returning with spouse

Charley

Registered User
Messages
114
Hi, enquring for an irish born family member who worked in Ireland for a few years after college and then headed off to the states. Later married a US citizen.

For family reasons now considering a return home. But worried about the costs of moving back now - housing etc.

Someone told them they needed to be working here and paying PRSI for ten years to be eligable for the state pension - would that be correct? Would the years they worked previously be counted?

Their spouse is at retirement age so won't be looking for employment. I know the spouse would need to be resident here for three years before they can apply for irish citizenship. While resident in Ireland for those three years, would they be treated the same as an irish citizen would when using the public health system? Would they qualify for the non-contributory pension at any stage? Any advice would be appreciated.
 
On the pension it's impossible to give good advice with so little detail.

The family member should get their PRSI record, see here. Then post the contribution record here and you'll get good advice on whether there is any Irish state contributory pension available. If not it may be possible to enhance US social security benefits using PRSI paid in Ireland a long time ago.


Would they qualify for the non-contributory pension at any stage?
They would have to satisfy a means test. If they have the means to move continent in their 60s they almost certainly won't pass the means test.