Pre-Retirement Allowance
Information
The Pre-Retirement Allowance (PRETA) is for people in Ireland aged 55 and over who have left the labour force. It is means-tested and you no longer have to sign-on as you do not need to be available for work.
Since 4 July 2007, no new applications for Pre-Retirement Allowance are accepted. However, if you were getting Pre-Retirement Allowance before 4 July 2007 you are not affected and can continue to get it.
Rules
In order to qualify, you must
(a) Be aged between 55 and 66
(b) Retire from the workforce
(c) Either
- have been getting Jobseeker's Benefit or Jobseeker's Allowance for 15 months or,
- no longer getting One-Parent Family Payment or Carer's Allowance or,
- be a separated spouse who has not been working in the previous 15 months.
(e) Pass a means test
(The means test is similar to the means test for Jobseeker's Allowance).
Working while on Pre-Retirement Allowance
You cannot work and get PRETA.
However, there are exceptions, if you are getting PRETA for 12 months or longer you are eligible for either the Back to Work Allowance or Back to Work Enterprise Allowance scheme. Smallholders (farmers) may earn money from their holding and get PRETA, provided they pass the means test.
You do not have to sign on if you are getting PRETA.
Rates
| Personal rate | €188 |
| Qualified adult | €124.80 |
Qualified child |
€29.80 |
How to apply
Since 4 July 2007, no new applications for Pre-Retirement Allowance are accepted. The Social Welfare Reform and Pensions Act 2006 abolishes the Pre-Retirement Allowance but existing recipients are not affected and may continue to get it.
Language
Related Documents
- Budget 2007
Budget 2007 was announced on 6 December 2006. Summary of the main changes. - Claiming for an adult dependant
You can get an increase in your social welfare payment for your adult dependant. This document explains who qualifies as an adult dependant. - Means test for Jobseeker's Allowance
To get Jobseeker's Allowance you must satisfy a means test. A means test examines all your sources of income. However, some income is not taken into account in the calculation of your means.
Contact Us
If you have a question relating to this topic you can contact the Citizens Information Phone Service on 0761 07 4000 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 9pm) or you can visit your local Citizens Information Centre.