The social security system to which employees contribute in Ireland is called PRSI (Pay Related Social Insurance).

All employees must have an RSI (Revenue and Social Insurance) number - the personal social services number issued by the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs for the purpose of tax, social welfare and related services.

This number is shown on the plastic Social Services Card, which is issued to people aged 16 or over. Your Social Services Card will be used when 'signing-on' at your local Social Welfare Office or Garda Station or when claiming payment, for example at a Post Office. (The Social Services Card will be known as the Public Service Card.)

Your RSI Number is very important. All your PRSI contribution details will be recorded under this number on your social insurance record.
Your RSI number is made up of 7 numbers followed by a letter or sometimes 2 letters.

Social Security Benefits include Unemployment Benefit/Assistance, illness and disability, maternity, widowhood, retirement and old age.

To qualify for most benefits it is necessary to have 39 weeks of contributions since you started work (in Ireland or another EU/EEA state) plus 39 weekly contributions in the current tax year (April to April).

Please consult http://www.welfare.ie/publications/sw19/sw19.html for rates and amounts

Unemployment Benefit: Based on insurance contributions paid in Ireland or another EU/EEA country (39 contributions minimum required).

Payment can last for up to 15 months.
http://www.welfare.ie/publications/sw19/sw19_sect6.html#sect6

When unemployment benefit runs out, Unemployment Assistance is available at the same rates but it is means tested.

Disability Benefit: If you are unable to work due to illness, your social insurance records in another EU/EEA country will be combined with your Irish contributions. Benefits are related to your previous earnings.

Retirement and Old Age: Old age pensions are paid from age 66. To qualify for a Contributory Old Age Pension you must have:

• Commenced paying social insurance contributions before reaching age 55;
• Have 156 full rate employment contributions paid;
• Have a yearly average of at least 48 full rate contributions paid from 1979 to the end of the tax year before you reach age 65 - this will entitle you to a maximum pension.

Those who come from other EU/EEA states will get a pro rata pension based on the proportion of their life-time contributions paid in Ireland.

Consult for rates and amounts:
http://www.welfare.ie/publications/sw19/sw19_sect2.html#sect2

Pre-Retirement Allowance is an allowance that allows you, if you are aged 55 or over to opt to retire from the labour force and receive a weekly allowance.

You qualify for a Pre-Retirement Allowance if you: are aged 55 or over; have been getting Unemployment Benefit/Assistance for at least 390 days; or satisfy a means test. The rates are the same as those for Unemployment Benefits Assistance.

All those living in the state aged 66 or over are entitled to a travel pass. This allows free travel on all public transport facilities. Other benefits to which the elderly may be entitled are Fuel allowance; free electricity allowance; free TV license; free telephone rental allowance; Medical Card (see Health Care).

All information on Social Security regulations and benefits is available from the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs: See http://www.welfare.ie