I returned from London in 1990 to work with a company in the property sector which had been set up shortly before my return. However, the business went into liquidation in April 1991. <\/p>\n
In my time with them, the company had deducted PRSI<\/a> from my salary. <\/p>\n However, in checking my contributions there is nothing for the years 1990 to 1992 on my social welfare. I do recall receiving an amount from the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC), which was based in Adelaide Street.<\/p>\n If I can recover these contributions it will put me in a slightly higher bracket. I have been told anecdotally that were I to get a sworn affidavit from old work colleagues it may help. Is that so? What else can I do to make my case?<\/p>\n PL <\/p>\n Pay-Related Social Insurance (PRSI), like income tax, is something that most of us just assume is working as it should do \u2013 until it isn\u2019t. Deducted at source, it is critical in establishing a record that helps us qualify for a State pension<\/a> but also for a raft of other benefits from the State that workers might require in times of crisis.<\/p>\n But the only way to confirm exactly what PRSI credits you have built up over your working life is to apply to the Department of Social Protection\u2019s<\/a> records section. They will send anyone a copy of their record. <\/p>\n The easiest way to get in touch is via email at contributionstatement@welfare.ie<\/a> but if you prefer you can write to them at: Records Section, Department of Social Protection, McCarters Road, Buncrana, Co Donegal.<\/p>\n In your case, this is old news as you have already secured a copy of your record \u2013 and noticed that nothing is credited to your record for the period when you were employed by this company \u2013 but it might help others.<\/p>\n Apart from producing copies of your PRSI record, this is also the office that follows up reports of missing contributions.<\/p>\n They check their own department files and those of Revenue covering both you and the employer. It\u2019s rare but mistakes do happen especially in a business that sounds like it was somewhat chaotic at the time.<\/p>\n If that does not resolve things then that office may, at its discretion, appoint a social welfare inspector to investigate the case further.<\/p>\n What can they do? Well, in cases like yours if they cannot find documentary evidence that you were employed, when and in what capacity, they will likely interview you and then send a recommendation to the department.<\/p>\n What that recommendation is will largely be based on how reliable the inspector considers your recollection of your time with the company.<\/p>\n This is where a statement from former colleagues could come in useful. The Department of Social Protection tells me these statements do not need to be sworn affidavits though they should be in writing.<\/p>\n