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Please note: This is not the official website for the PPSN service. Therefore, I cannot answer your personal PPSN questions. You need to direct your questions to the Client Identity Services – contact details for this service is listed below.
- What Is an Irish PPS Number?
- What Does the PPS Number Look Like?
- When can I apply for a PPS Number?
- Do My Children Need a PPS Number?
- How Do I apply for a PPS Number?
- I Have Lost My PPS Number, Where Can I Find It?
- How do I Change My Listed Address?
- Useful Links to Further PPS Number Information
- PPSN FAQ’s
What Is an Irish PPS Number?
A Personal Public Service number (PPSN) number is a unique number that government bodies use to identify you. You will need to give this number to your employer as soon as possible so that they can advise the Revenue Commissioners for your tax deductions. You may also need it when setting up a bank account or accessing public services.
When you are allocated your PPSN, you will be issued a Public Services Card. On the front of the card will be your name, photograph and signature, along with the card expiry date. The back of the card holds your PPS number and a card number. It also holds a magnetic stripe to enable social welfare payments such as pensions to be collected at post offices.
The PPS number will also give you access to Irish services such as:
- Social welfare
- Free Travel Pass
- Public health services
- Child immunisation
- Housing grants
- Driver licences
What Does the PPS Number Look Like?
Your PPS number will have seven numbers and will end in two letters, making up nine characters in total. Old PPS numbers are only eight characters as they only have one letter at the end.
When can I apply for a PPS Number?
You will need to show that you have a requirement for one, otherwise it won’t be issued. For example, you will only be issued with a PPS number if you are about to commence employment. Looking for employment is not a considered a requirement. Be aware that an employer requiring a PPS number as part of the application process is in breach of the legislation.
Do My Children Need a PPS Number?
When a child is born in Ireland, they are given a PPS number when their birth is registered with the General Register Office. In this case, they do not need to apply for one. However, if the child’s birth is not registered within 3 months, the parent or guardian must make an application. If both parents live outside of the state, this will not automatically occur and you will need to apply for one.
For children living in, but not born in Ireland the parent/guardian must apply for one. However, the parent/guardian must already have their own PPS number in order for the child to be registered and linked to them.
How Do I apply for a PPS Number?
How to Apply for a PPSN as an Adult
If you are living in Ireland and are 18 years or older, you must apply online for a PPS number using MyWelfare.ie. However, in order to apply online you will need a basic MyGovID account, but you can create one on MyGovID.
When you apply online, you need to upload:
- A copy of your photo identity document (passport, driving licence, ID card etc.) If you do not have valid documents, you should provide whatever ID documents that you do have.
- Evidence of why you need a PPS number
- Proof of your address
How to Apply for a PPSN for a Child
For children under 18 years of age who do not have a PPSN, the parent or guarding will need to complete an application form REG1M
You will need to provide the following evidence:
- Identification of both the parent or guardian completing the application form and the child as well as evidence of the relationship with the child.
- Proof of address, such as a household bill with your name on it.
- Evidence of why you need a PPS number.
The application form must be submitted to the nearest PPS Number Allocation Centre.
Once you have submitted the application, and the department has checked everything is in order, they will post a letter to you with details of the PPS Number.
How to Apply for a PPSN if You Are Living Outside Ireland
If you are living outside Ireland and need a PPS number for an interaction with a state agency in Ireland, you need to complete an application form for a PPS Number (REG1) and also provide:
However, if you are living in Northern Ireland or the United Kingdom and are working in Ireland (a cross-border worker) you must apply for a PPS number in the normal way.
- Non EU/EEA your current passport
- EU/EEA current passport or national identity card
- Proof of address, such as a household bill with your name on it.
- Evidence of why you need a PPS number.
- a PPS Number Exceptional Registration Application Form
- a consent form signed by you if the PPS Number is to be given to a third party representative, for example, a solicitor or accountant
- a completed questionnaire
Completed forms should be emailed to CIS@welfare.ie or posted to:
- Department of Social Protection, Shannon Lodge, Carrick on Shannon, Leitrim, N41 KD81
I Have Lost My PPS Number, Where Can I Find It?
Your PPS number will be recorded on your tax documents, your payslip, and any letter or cards that are issued from the social welfare office, medical payment scheme or tax office. If you can’t find your PPS number, contact your Intreo Centre or local Social Welfare Branch Office for assistance.
How Do I Change My Listed Address?
If you have your PPS number and a verified MyGovID then you can update your address using MyWelfare.ie. If you change your don’t have a verified MyGovID, you should write to the Department of Social Protection giving your name, PPS number, old and new address and evidence of your new address such as a utility bill. The Department will then update your record. You can scan your completed forms and email or post to:
Email: CIS@welfare.ie
Phone: (071) 967 2616 or 0818 927 999
Address: Client Identity Services, Department of Social Protection, Shannon Lodge, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim N41 KD81
Useful Links to Further PPS Number Information
- Citizens Information: Personal Public Service number
- gov.ie: How to get a Personal Public Service (PPS) Number
PPSN FAQ’s
Please note: This is not the official website for the PPSN service. Therefore, I cannot answer your personal PPSN questions. You need to direct your questions to the Client Identity Services – contact details for this service is listed above.
What happens if I don’t get my PPSN in time to start my employment?
If you don’t receive your PPSN in time for your salary payment, your employer will tax you at the emergency tax rate, which is a higher rate. This means you will pay more tax on your income. However, provide your employer with your PPSN as soon as you receive it and they will be able to put you on to the correct tax rate for your level of income.
What kind of evidence will they accept for my PPSN application?
The guidance on the gov.ie website provides examples of what will be accepted.
I am staying in temporary accommodation, what evidence can I use for my address?
The guidance on the gov.ie website provides examples of what will be accepted for ‘Evidence of your address’ when staying in temporary accommodation.
Do I need a PPSN to be able to apply for a job?
No, an employer requiring a PPS number as part of the application process is in breach of the legislation.
Mome
i have sent paper for pps number but it will not come how long row time
Ali
I live in Hungary and due to Covid-19 I cannot travel to Ireland. I have a job offer and I will work remotely till this pandemic is over . I have applied today for PPS via email . I provided all evidences , do I have a chance to receive it ?
Joseph Sullivan
Hi, i have just moved to ireland with my wife. I am irish and she is south korean. During the covid lockdown my wife has become pregnant and we require a pps number to apply for a medical card so she can have our baby in ireland. We have completed the immigration and she has a residence card and i am still looking for work. We avoid saying we need a medical card on the form in fear she would be rejected. But as you say “looking for employment” was not accepted as a reason. Is applying for a medical card an acceptable reason?
Colleen
I suggest you refer to guidance provided on the HSE website under the Maternity and Infant Care Scheme ‘Every women who is pregnant and ordinarily resident in Ireland is entitled to maternity care under the Maternity and Infant Scheme. Ordinarily resident means you are living here, or you intend to remain living here for at least one year.’
Joao
Hello. I am the owner of a recently created limited liability company in Ireland, and in order to apply for a microfinance loan I have been asked to provide a PPS Number, which I do not have. I am a resident of Spain. In applying, what should I indicate as the reason to apply for the PPSN?
Emre sırbudak
Hello , I’m Emre SIRBUDAK,hope is everything well ,I’ve made an application for pps before. but pps did not reach me, what should I do. I need a job and I need pps
Have nice day.
Benard perry
hello
iam in Kenya how long does work permit take to be made and sent o me from Kenya
Colleen
They publish their current employment permit processing date on their website.
gordon
hi i have been waiting two weeks for info regarding pps number as no reply to emails and no answer on the phone as need pps to get safe pass course and to gain employment also for benifits if needed as i now fully live in ireland and cannot get residence form filled out until pps number has been given can anybody help as now desperate
Dara
I have been waiting almost A MONTH for a PPS number. No response to emails, no phone number to call. It’s absolutely disgusting that a government department is so inefficient.
Joseph
Hi Dara,
How did you get on? have you heard anything? I’m in the same boat, applied a month ago and heard nothing.
Atilla
Hi, My Name is Atilla Inanc, l moved in Ireland 14/02/2020 and working since 9 of March. l get my pps number and gave to my employer but l dont know why l am still at emergancy tax. My payments is weekly and 52 percent of the payment been cutted. l just would love to know how can l stop emergency tax and get my tax back. Thank you very much.
Colleen
Here is some guidance on the process of emergency tax and what you need to do.
Teresa Finn
My son had a PPS number when living in Ireland as a boy, we used it for tax returns. He’s returning as a young adult but we have lost the number. What does he need to do to get it reissued?
Colleen
You will need to get in contact with the Department of Social Protection.
Julia
Hi, I want to work on deliveroo but I need the PPS to do the account, explain that I need the PPSN to make an Delivery account online is enough? Thank you
Colleen
Hi Julia, the PPSN is usually only provided to you once you have evidence of employment. Others who read this that have worked for Deliveroo might be able to provide you further guidance on this.
Piotr
Good afternoon. My name is Piotr Bulman. I sent the documents needed for PPS by post on July 1. I haven’t received an answer yet. How much longer do I have to wait? Thank you for your reply.
Colleen
Hi Piotr, as I don’t work for the department, I don’t know their current processing times, but others that read your comment and have recently applied may know and respond to you.
Marie
Hi Piotr, did you receive yours now? I also applied for my baby 3 weeks ago by email. But not receiving anything and I urgently need it.
I wrote them and still receiving an automatic response. Calling and no one is picking the phone. I am desperate.
Simon
Hi Piotr and Marie, did you get your PPS number? I have made the application on 9th of July and I am still waiting for the PPS.
Evgeniia
Hello,
My name is Evgeniia and today I have received an answer that:
“ Unfortunately your application cannot be processed as: Looking for work is not sufficient as a reason to get a PPSN. You must have a letter from the employer (preferably on headed paper)”. But there is no one place that can give me a job without a PPSN. What do I have to do now?
Colleen
Hi Evgeniia,
This is correct, you can only get a PPSN if you have a need for one. You don’t need a PPSN to secure a job. However, to get a job in Ireland you need to be eligible i.e. an Irish or EU citizen, otherwise, you need to get a job that is eligible for an employment permit.
Usually you apply for your PPSN once you have a job. It just ensures that you are taxed correctly – it does not grant you a right to work in Ireland.
Alan OByrne
I moved from Ireland to United States at 17, and have never worked in Ireland, but moving back, however I believe I have to get one when i have a job lined up? You don’t get one when have a passport? Also my US wife is coming with me, what is the best way for her to get one to start working? I know she needs proof of residence and marriage certificate, but want to see what is the time wait on it usually?
Regards,
Alan
Colleen
In order to get a PPSN you need to provide evidence that you actually need one i.e. you are employed or need a PPSN for a transaction with a specified body.
Alan OByrne
Hi,
I moved to the United States at 17 from Dublin (with entire family), and have worked in US for last 15 years, however am now wanting to move back to Ireland with my US wife + American son ( he has an Irish passport and US passport). My question is, do I already have a PPSN number ( I never worked in Ireland, drove, or got a license). Is that something given at birth? It sounds like i need to get it through proof of employment, but I will be looking for work there? Also with my wife, an American citizen, does she need to apply to live there first, before applying for work? Any info would be greatly appreciated, thanks.
Regards,
Alan O’Byrne
Colleen
If you are not sure if you already have a PPSN, you can contact them and check.
Some employment permits allow you to bring eligible family members with you, but in some cases they may have to secure a job offer that is eligible for an employment permit in their own right. You can read more about each of the employment permits here.
I answered your other query below.
Jenny
Hi! I can’t find my pps card but I know my pps no. How can I get a new card? At the same time, how can I check for my details of the pps card?
Thank you
Colleen
Hi Jenny,
If your Public Services Card is lost, stolen or damaged, you should immediately contact the Public Services Card Helpdesk at 1890 837000.
Darren Byrne
Hi, im irish born and bred but my girlfriend has Italian passport. We met in england 2 years ago and now she pregnant. I want return ireland and get her a pps numner, I tried before but they said she needed an official letter from an employer stating she was starting work. Surely as an eu citizen she has the right to a pps number in any eu state? Plus she is now pregnant and cant work. How do I go about this, any info would be great. She wants and I want to have my future baby in ireland and I want to raise my family in my homeland and not in england. Thanks very much
Colleen
Only in limited circumstances can you get a PPSN prior to arriving in Ireland. You need to provide evidence that you are residing in Ireland and need a PPSN for a transaction with a specified body. Looking for work is not accepted as proof of this, however if she is applying for a social welfare payment or registering with Revenue Commissioners this should be accepted.
At the end of the day it is at the discretion of the officer and whether they believe that she is eligible based on their criteria, so make sure you provide the necessary evidence as outlined on their website.
Djihad ghalem
I used to live In ireland a while ago , then for some reasons I traveled back to my country with my parents . I wasn’t born in ireland but I have my pps number , and now I want to apply for a visa to come back to ireland .
Does having a pps number grante you with getting a visa ? What are the chance of me being declined ?
Colleen
I’m not aware of the PPSN giving you any rights to a visa.
Fiona
Hi. I was born in Cork (1972) and have an irish passport but have always worked in the UK. I have no irish tax documents or medical card etc. How can I find out what my PPS number is? I start a job in Dublin in July so I think I need it
Colleen
You will need to contact the Department of Social Protection to access the PPS number
Client Identity Services,
Department of Social Protection,
Social Welfare Services,
Shannon Lodge,
Carrick-on-Shannon,
County Leitrim
Telephone: Lo Call 1890 927999
Email: cis@welfare.ie
Chiara
Hi Colleen,
How long a PPSN is valid for? And PPSN cards do not have issued date, if employers need this info for their onboarding process what should we put?
Colleen
Your PPSN stays with you for life. I’ve never been asked for an issued date.
Abdullah Ilhanli
Hello,
I work at Dublin and got a pps number.
My wife doesnt work and she need pps number for instance to access public hospital or applying for driver licence.
How can we get pps number for her? Do we need evidence for accessing public hospital or applying driver licence?
With which reason can she apply for pps?
Actually because she doesnt work i expect to pay less tax to do this i need to update my pps profile which requires her pps number which she doesnt have/
Best regards
Colleen
Book a PPS number allocation centre appointment and provide your current valid Passport and National Identity Card, and evidence of an Irish address at the appointment. You should also provide evidence of needing a PPS number
You use your PPS Number for:
Social welfare services
Free Travel Pass
Public health services, including the medical card and the Drugs Payment Scheme
Child immunisation
Schemes run by Revenue, such as mortgage interest relief
Housing grants
Driver Theory Testing and driving licences
HSE’s Civil Registration Service
Phil
I am also curious as how to provide ‘evidence’. Is an application form for a drivers permit (D201) good enough evidence to warrant needing one? Or an application to register at a doctors?
Colleen
Hi Phil,
The evidence required is listed on the PPSN website.
Mindaugas
hello, any chance to find my PPS number from 2003??/
Colleen
If you can’t find it on any of your old documentation such as payslips, tax documents or communication from the Department of Social Protection, then you will need to contact their office directly.
Sara Brophy
Good luck getting through.
I am waiting three weeks for an email response and today is day-2 of waiting until cut off on the phone (and getting no answer).
Oh Ireland.. I get homesick.. and then I remember what you’re like!
Sara
Colleen
Yes, Irish customer service/access to service is a real struggle.
joanna
person plan to move to Ireland soon, currently due to COVID is in UK.
from 1 april 2020 begin to work for Irish company from home, as soon all that restriction end will move to Ireland.
how this person can obtain PPS number, can she obtain PPS prior to arriving to Ireland.
Colleen
Ordinarily you need to be in Ireland to get your PPSN, but due to these extraordinary circumstances, the government has guidance posted temporary on the Gov.ie website. I suggest you email the address they have provided on their website.
Rafael Dickoff
Greetings
I lived and worked in ireland ten years ago, but i don’t remember my PPS number and i don’t have my payslips anymore. Can i have my PPS back or i have to make a new one?
Thanks
Marija
Hello,
i lost my PPS number, can i make a new one? I can’t find it
Colleen
No, you will need to contact the Department of Social Protection to access the number
Client Identity Services,
Department of Social Protection,
Social Welfare Services,
Shannon Lodge,
Carrick-on-Shannon,
County Leitrim
Telephone: Lo Call 1890 927999
Email: cis@welfare.ie
Miguel
Hi Colleen,
I am a South African citizen, am married with a Daughter.
I have a Portuguese passport and my wife has an Italian passport. My daughter too has an Italian passport. We’re emigrating to Ireland soon on our European passports.
I’m confused as to how we’d all get PPS numbers since we are entering on our different passports (all eu).
Will there be any confusion when applying for my daughters PPS number given that we are in Ireland on our EU passports (1 Portuguese and 2 x Italian) but the evidence of our relationship (Marriage and Birth Certificate) is all South African?
Colleen
Hi Miguel,
I’m not sure which part of Ireland you are moving to, but if it is one of the cities, then I think the PPS offices are probably pretty used to this kind of mix of citizenship as it is quite a multinational location. In saying that, just make sure you have all of your evidence with you to your appointment, birth certificates, marriage certificates etc..
Miguel
Thank you kindly Colleen, really appreciate it!
CAROLINE Creamer
Hi there,
I am moving to Ireland with my daughter- we were both born in the UK. Both of my parents are also returning (they are Irish Nationals), so my Irish citizenship will come via them both. I am also applying for an Irish passport for my daughter through her grandparents and then her citizenship.
I will be working in both the north of Ireland and the republic as I am self employed. My daughter will I presume receive her PPS number through me in order to attend primary school ? Is this correct ?
Is there a separate process to receive my PPS number before I arrive so that she will be able to attend school ? As, until we have exchanged and completed with our house purchase we will not have an address in Ireland…
many thanks in advance,
Caroline
Colleen
I am a little unclear if you have a PPS number already? You will need to apply for a PPS number following the instructions on their website as there is
an online service. Once you have yours then you can apply for your daughters as it will need to be linked to yours.
Benoit
Hi,
My girlfriend (we are not married or oficially linked) and her 14yo child, will move to Dublin with me.
They will live with me (I have already a job and a PPSN and an address)
They are both spanish citizens, and she have the full custody of the child.
How she can apply to a PPS number for her an her child ? As she will not work at the beginning.
The goal of their application is for the 14yo child to have a secondary public school.
Thanks for your help
Colleen
She will need to attend the PPS Registration centre closest to her i.e. in this case the Dublin office details are here on the PPS website. She also needs to ensure that she brings the evidence as listed on this site.
Guillermo
Hello,
I had my appointment to get my PPs number 2 weeks ago and still haven’t recieved the letter with my number. What should I do?
Colleen
Contact the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection’s Client Identity Services – see their contact us page or calling + 353 71 967 2616.
Holly meadows
Hi there,
I’m an Australian married to an Irish national. We are currently living in Australia, with our two kids one of which is my husband’s step son (not adopted)
My husbands father is sick, and we would like to be able to go back to Ireland for 10 months to spend some quality time with family.
We would both like to work while we are over there. Because we would be there for a long period of time my son would need to attend school over there too he is 9 years old.
Is that at all possible, as an Australian?
Is there a specific visa we could apply for him to attend school during that time?
Thank you in advance
Holly
Colleen
Just to clarify – is the child yours to another father? If so, is the father willing to permit the child leave Australia with you? There may be custody reasons that could make getting the visa an issue. You will need to provide quite a lot evidence that the child is permitted to move with you. Here is the detailed guide on the Irish Visa website about how to apply and how much it will cost and the evidence you will need to provide for yourself and your children.
Milly
Hello my name is Milly, I am marrying to an Irish national (I’m American) and want to recieve a PPS number in order to apply for basic healthcare benefits (I think it’s called a medical card) in case of an emergency, before I am able to secure a job. Besides passport and address, what can I bring in order to prove that I need a PPS number? Who do I contact for proof, is there a form I need? Thank you for your help.
Colleen
You can apply for a PPSN by contacting MyWelfare via email or phone.
You can begin the process online from abroad (as long the PPSN allocation centre for the area you will be living in offers an appointment service). As part of this, you will need to set up a MyGovID account, then book a PPSN allocation centre appointment via MyWelfare website for a date after your arrival in Ireland.
You will also need evidence of your Irish address e.g. a utility bill, bank statement, lease agreement. You will also need to provide evidence of needing a PPSN. Looking for work is not accepted as proof of this, however if you are applying for a social welfare payment or registering with Revenue Commissioners this should be accepted.
Mairead
Hello
Can I use a utility bill for Northern Irish address to get a PPS number. I need a PPS number to change driving licence and import car once I have moved ?
Colleen
You need to provide evidence of where your home address, if you are living in Northern Ireland and are working in the Republic of Ireland (a frontier worker) you apply for a PPS number in the normal way at a designated PPS Number Allocation Centre.
Saban Sebatoski
Hello, I am a citizen of a non EEA/Swiss country. Ten years ago I have worked in Ireland, the city Sligo, and I have a pps number. Now i would like to work again in Ireland, my question is do i need to obtain a work permit or my pps nuber is sufficient to have a rigt to work legal in Ireland ?
Best ragards.
Colleen
Having a PPS number doesn’t automatically mean a foreign national can work in Ireland. Read my post about on the different work permits that are available.
Anna
I am a polish national commencing my employment with company in Dublin as of November, they have restricted that I received the PPS as soon as possible, and have it with me for the first day of work. I have obtained employment letter from them stating I will “reside” at the address of the local premises.
Is this document legitimate to use instead of bills as currently I do not have an apartment rented in Dublin and I would like to visit Dublin late October to look for it.
Colleen
The list of the evidence you will need to provide at your PPSN appointment is here on the government PPSN website.
As I don’t work for the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection, I cannot confirm on their behalf as to whether they will accept this as evidence of your address at your appointment.
Ciara Quinlan
Hello
We’re moved home to Ireland after 10 years in the uk. Myself and my husband have PPS numbers but our children do not. Is it possible to apply by post instead of physically attending?
Colleen
I’m assuming your children weren’t born in Ireland? As they are automatically allocated PPS Numbers once the birth is registered with the General Register Office. However, for those children born outside of Ireland, you need to contact your local Social Welfare Office. All guidance on their websites state that you will have to attend an appointment at a PPSN Allocation Centre.
MAR GREGORIO
We have created a Limited company in Ireland in 2018. According to our knowledge, and due to the Director and sole owner is resident in Spain (no in Ireland) we do not need to get a PPS Number, and we have not a resident address in Ireland, and ther is not any intention to be resident in Ireland for next years. Our accountable advisor told us all Directos of Irish companies (resident or no resident in Ireland) need get a PPS Number. Could you mind clarify this situation for us??. Thanks in advance. Best Regards
Mar
Colleen
I don’t work for the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection’s so can’t provide you business advice, you’ll need to contact them on + 353 71 967 2616.
Alexandr
Hi to all the good people. My name is Alexandr. I’ve been living in Ireland for 9 month, working in one of the IT companies. Now I want to bring here my wife and 2 year old daughter. We took appointment for pps at the beginning of the September for them (I have one from the very beginning). What should we bring with us or say there so that there d b no problems (like payslips, address verification etc?) We r all EU citizens, not Irish. Thank you in advance.
Colleen
Hi Alexandr,
The list of the evidence you will need to provide at your PPSN appointment is here on the government PPSN website.
David
I live in Northern Ireland and I am moving to Ireland for work. I have already accepted the job and have contract however I do not have an address yet. Is it possible to use my Northern Ireland address for PPS?
Colleen
You usually apply for the PPSN once you have moved and started working as you will need to attend the registration centre where you live. If you don’t have the PPSN before your first pay, you basically end up paying more taxes. However, you can claim this back once you have provided your PPSN.
Vb
Hi! I’ve moved to Ireland a bit more than month ago and still haven’t found a job and because of that I can’t apply for pps number without having a employment contract. So the question is are there any time limits that you can live in Ireland without pps number? I hold EU passport.
Colleen
You should consider reading the S.I. No. 548/2015 – European Communities (Free Movement of Persons) Regulations 2015.. It outlines that EU citizens have the right to come to Ireland for three months with no conditions. However, if staying for over three months you can continue living in Ireland if:
You are employed or self-employed; or
You have enough resources so that you and your dependants do not become a burden on the social assistance system and you have health insurance; or
You are a student, you can maintain yourself, you have a place in an educational institution and you have health insurance.
After that period, EU/EEA nationals may qualify for Jobseeker’s Allowance if you satisfy the conditions.
Madison
How do I change my name on PPS card to my married name?
Colleen
Here is information about changing your name on the Public Service Identity (responsible for PPSN’s) website. You will need to submit photo ID in your pre-marriage/civil partnership name (for example PSC, passport or driving licence), and your marriage or civil partnership certificate.
Cristian
Hi. Can you start working without having obtained the pps number? What if the appointment you get online is after the start date of your employment? Or can you just go to a local office and wait at the queue? Thank you!
Colleen
If you do not have the PPS Number before starting work you basically end up paying more taxes. However, you can claim this back once you have provided your PPS number.
natasha
i have misplaced my daughters original ppsn how do i go about getting another original
Colleen
Contact MyWelfare via email or phone.
Tomas
Hi!
I have applied for the PPS number and was told that it would be ready for collection at the office, yesterday. But will they send it as a letter as well? Because I already started working 9-5 :/
Regards
Colleen
Mine was mailed to me at my home address I gave them. But did you arrange for yours to be collected from their office instead? You may need to ring them to clarify what arrangements you have made.
Bonnie Ruebenstahl
Does a non resident non citizen need pps number for inheritence reasons
Colleen
I believe you may need one. There is more information here – scroll down to the section ‘I am not resident in Ireland but I need a PPS number – how do I get it?’. The DEASP’s Client Identity Services (CIS) do provide a service for those needing a number and not living in Ireland.
Ciaran
I was born in ireland in 1959 but moved to the UK for work in 1980 while I was a student in tech college so never had a formal job in Ireland. Im looking to buy a property and move back for part of the year. I would like to open a bank account, get a driving licence (although i had an irish one in 1980). Will I have an old PPS number allocated at birth I can use or do I need to apply for a new one?
Colleen
You may not have one, because it was only from 1971 onwards when people born in Ireland began being assigned a PPSN as part of the birth registration process. In addition, they were allocated to anyone working or receiving a Social Welfare payment in Ireland since 1979. You may not have ever been assigned one. Contact MyWelfare via email or phone..
Thomas
My wife is not Irish and she just moved to Ireland a few months ago to live with me here. She does not have a PPS Number, and she is now pregnant. Do we have to wait until she has been here for a year to get one?
Colleen
Typically, PPS numbers are applied for in person once you’ve arrived in Ireland. However, in limited circumstances it may be possible for your non-Irish partner to apply for a PPS number by contacting MyWelfare via email or phone. They will determine whether or not your wife will be given a PPS number.
Rachel
Hi, my mother in law is retired and has a medical condition. She is a UK citizen currently residing in England. If she moves to Ireland, can she get a PPS number as she may need to move into a nursing home. Both myself and my husband, her son, are Irish Citizens. Thanks.
Colleen
Hi Rachel, UK citizens who are resident in Ireland are entitled to health services in the same way as Irish citizens who are resident. This means that they may avail of public health services if they are “ordinarily resident”. To establish ordinary residence you need to evidence that you have been living in Ireland for at least a year or you intend to live here for at least one year. Here is some information on the Irish Citizens information site about the evidence/documentation you need.
In addition, UK citizens living in Ireland are eligible to apply social welfare payments in the same way as Irish citizens living in Ireland. However, as with all social welfare payments in Ireland, you must satisfy the rules for each scheme to qualify.
Kirk
I am an Irish citizen by descent not living in Ireland. Under what circumstances would I be eligible for a PPSN and an EHIC?
Colleen
I’m assuming that you are planning on applying for your Irish citizenship?
You will need evidence of your Irish address. FYI you don’t need a PPSN to apply for work in Ireland, but you will need one if you gain employment. If you can’t get to a PPS Number allocation centre, you can contact them to discuss your personal circumstances via MyWelfare email or phone.
You can only apply for a European Health Insurance Card from the Irish health authorities if you are:
Ordinarily resident in Ireland and you are not receiving a Social Insurance payment from another EU State or paying another EU State’s Social Insurance, or you are not the dependant of such a person.
Resident in another EU State and you are receiving an Irish Social Insurance payment or paying Irish Social Insurance, or you are a dependant of such a person.
Dario
Hello! My name is Dario. I only have a quick question. I do have my pps number and I have it on payslips, so I can see it. Does this number expires?
Colleen
Your PPS number shouldn’t expire and will continue to be the same regardless of changes in jobs. (Note this is not likely to apply to you but before 2000 some women had to use the same PPS number as their husband, but with a W at the end of the number. These numbers are being slowly phased out and W numbers have not been issued since 1999.)
Khethiwe
Greetings
My name is Khethiwe Nkosi .I’m residing from South Africa at the moment .I have found a college in Ireland to do my Health Care Assistant course.At the college to complete my application a PPS number is required. Please give me advice on how to go about it ?
Colleen
Hi Khethiwe,
Contact the college, as only people currently residing and working in Ireland have a PPS number. However, once you arrive to study in Ireland, as long as you meet the requirements for full time study (one semester students are not permitted to work), you are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during term time and up to 40 hours during holiday periods – see more about the requirements in my post on Student Visas. Once you have found employment, then you need to get a PPS number by following the instructions in this post.
Anna Liese Merry
My name is Anna Liese Merry DOB 06/02/1971 I am currently renewing my Irish passport and can’t remember my PPSN to put on my passport application
Colleen
Hi Anna Liese Merry,
Have your read the instructions at the bottom of this post under the heading ‘I Have Lost My PPS Number, Where Can I Find It?’
Firstly, I would recommend that you have a good dig around in your filing cabinet to try and find your PPSN. Have you looked on old tax documents and or any correspondence you have had with social welfare or the tax office?
If you still can’t find it, I suggest that you contact:
Client Identity Services,
Department of Social Protection,
Social Welfare Services,
Shannon Lodge,
Carrick-on-Shannon,
County Leitrim
Telephone: Lo Call 1890 927999
Email: cis@welfare.ie