Thinking of giving up your day job and running your own business? Then you should be aware of the PRSI differences in rates and entitlements when you move from employment to self-employment.
PRSI (pay related social insurance) is paid by employers, employees, individuals with self–employment income of €5,000 or more and certain other individuals, such as those in receipt of occupation pensions. The amount paid is used to fund social insurance (welfare) payments.
There are many classes of PRSI with various rates and entitlement to benefits. The current classes and rates of PRSI are beyond the scope of this blog post and can be found on the Department of Social Protection website.
In this post I want to concentrate on two common classes of PRSI:
• Class A which applies to most employments
• Class S which generally applies to self-employed individuals and directors who have a controlling interest in their company
PRSI Rates
The rate of PRSI to be paid under each class can be found on the Department’s website and can be updated each year during the budget.
For employees under Class A, PRSI is dealt with under the PAYE system. Employee PRSI is deducted from an employee’s wages. Employers PRSI is paid by the employer.
Self-employed individuals pay PRSI in their annual tax return. Directors on class S will be dealt with under the PAYE system.
Entitlements
When it comes to social welfare entitlements there is a vast difference between class A and class S as follows:
Social welfare benefits and pensions under Class A PRSI
- Adoptive Benefit
- Carer’s Benefit
- Illness Benefit
- Health and Safety Benefit
- Invalidity Pension
- Maternity Benefit
- Occupational Injuries Benefits
- State Pension (Contributory)
- Guardian’s Payment
- Treatment Benefit
- Jobseeker’s Benefit
- Widow’s/Widower’s Pension (Contributory)
Social welfare benefits and pensions under Class S PRSI
- Maternity Benefit
- Adoptive Benefit
- Paternity Benefit
- Widow’s, Widower’s or Surviving Civil Partner’s (Contributory) Pension
- State Pension (Contributory)
- Treatment Benefit Scheme
- Invalidity Pension
A full description of each benefit and its qualifying criteria can be found on the Department of Social Protection website.
Under either class, you may be entitled to Job Seekers Allowance provided you meet the conditions.
So, if you are thinking of heading down the self-employment route, it is worth bearing in mind the differences in class A and class S PRSI.
Updated 11/04/19
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Very clear and helpful information, Orla, thanks for the overview! People might not be aware of what they are losing once they leave the class A PRSI…
Thanks Simona.
Hi Orla,
Thanks for detailing this. Is there any opportunity for people that are self employed to pay stamps in Class A, or not?
Hi Eoin,
Unfortunately, a self-employed person (sole trader) can only pay PRSI at class S. It is an issue that the Advisory Group on Tax and Social Welfare has been asked to examine: http://debates.oireachtas.ie/dail/2012/05/09/00084.asp
Regarding limited companies, if a director is receiving a salary as an employee of a company and does not have a controlling interest in the company, then he/she may be able to pay at Class A. As most small Irish companies are owned and controlled by family members, it can be difficult not to have a controlling interest.
Directors’ fees (for sitting on the board etc) are always at Class S.
This is a complex area and advice would need to be sought to ensure that the correct PRSI class is applied.
Best regards,
Orla
Hi Orla – thank you for the information. I am curious though – why do class S contributions not entitle you for instance Illness benefit. I ask because I was diagnosed last year with cancer and am completely up to date with my PRSI contributions – employed 2019 – self employed 2020 and 2021.
I could really use the assistance for a little while and am gobsmacked that my contributions dont count to help when my family and i really need the help.
Hi Sonja,
I am very sorry to hear this.
This is just a general blogpost on some of the differences between the PRSI classes. The best thing to do is to contact the Department of Social Protection to see what you are entitled to.
I wish you the best in your recovery.
Orla