Hello all,
I am looking at my pension situation at the moment. Here are some basic facts about me:
-34 years old next month
-started insurable employment in Ireland (according to my E301 form) on the 30/11/1998
-left insurable employment in Ireland on the 15/2/2009
-I think that's 529 contributions in Ireland
-Travelled for a year or so, settling down in Germany and returning to insurable employment here in Berlin in early 2010
I discovered from a friend here that he pays voluntary NI contributions in the UK to "keep up" his UK pension. I googled around and it seems that this is not possible in Ireland, though the DSP seem to quote "European rules" as the reason:
Does anyone know if this is BS? Surely if the UK allows it then it isn't contrary to any EU laws?
Assuming I can't make voluntary contributions, what will happen to my 10 yrs of PRSI contributions in Ireland?
Do I need to have them added to the German system? Do I need to do anything before retirement?
Quite confused and would hate to think that 10 years work would count for nothing (hoping it doesn't). It is unlikely that I'll return to employment in Ireland as life has taken me this way. Any help appreciated.
I am looking at my pension situation at the moment. Here are some basic facts about me:
-34 years old next month
-started insurable employment in Ireland (according to my E301 form) on the 30/11/1998
-left insurable employment in Ireland on the 15/2/2009
-I think that's 529 contributions in Ireland
-Travelled for a year or so, settling down in Germany and returning to insurable employment here in Berlin in early 2010
I discovered from a friend here that he pays voluntary NI contributions in the UK to "keep up" his UK pension. I googled around and it seems that this is not possible in Ireland, though the DSP seem to quote "European rules" as the reason:
http://www.welfare.ie/EN/Topics/PRSI/Pages/volcons.aspxUnder EU legislation it not possible for a person to be subject to the social insurance systems of two or more member states at the same time. This means that you cannot pay Voluntary Contributions in Ireland at the same time as you are in insurable employment, self-employment, receiving credited contributions or paying Voluntary Contributions in another EU member state.
Does anyone know if this is BS? Surely if the UK allows it then it isn't contrary to any EU laws?
Assuming I can't make voluntary contributions, what will happen to my 10 yrs of PRSI contributions in Ireland?
Do I need to have them added to the German system? Do I need to do anything before retirement?
Quite confused and would hate to think that 10 years work would count for nothing (hoping it doesn't). It is unlikely that I'll return to employment in Ireland as life has taken me this way. Any help appreciated.