Canada and Ireland Social Security Agreement: What You Need to Know
Canada and Ireland have a long-standing relationship built on shared values and a common history. This relationship has been further strengthened by the signing of a social security agreement that enhances social protection for workers who move between the two countries.
The Canada-Ireland Social Security Agreement was signed in 1990 and came into force in 1992. The agreement aims to ensure that workers who have contributed to the social security systems of both countries are not disadvantaged when it comes to receiving benefits. The agreement covers pensions, disability benefits, survivors` benefits, and healthcare benefits.
Who is covered by the agreement?
The agreement covers people who are or have been covered by the social security systems of either country. This includes Canadian and Irish citizens, permanent residents, and people who have made social security contributions in either country. The agreement also covers their spouses, dependent children, and survivors.
How does the agreement work?
Under the agreement, people who have worked in both Canada and Ireland may be able to qualify for benefits from both countries. For example, a Canadian who has worked in Ireland and contributed to the Irish social security system may be able to receive a Canadian pension based on their Canadian contributions and an Irish pension based on their Irish contributions.
The agreement also allows for the aggregation of social security credits earned in both countries, meaning that people who may not have worked long enough in one country to qualify for benefits may still be able to receive a pro-rata benefit based on their combined credits.
In addition, the agreement provides for the coordination of healthcare benefits. This means that people who are covered by the social security systems of both countries may be able to access healthcare services in either country.
What are the benefits of the agreement?
The Canada-Ireland Social Security Agreement provides several benefits for people who have worked in both countries. These benefits include:
– Eliminating double social security contributions: Workers who have contributed to the social security systems of both countries are not required to pay contributions in both countries for the same periods of work.
– Ensuring continuity of social security coverage: Workers who move between Canada and Ireland can receive social security benefits from either country without losing their entitlement to benefits from the other country.
– Access to healthcare services: Eligible individuals are entitled to the same healthcare benefits as residents of the country in which they are living.
– Aggregation of social security credits: Workers who have contributed to the social security systems of both countries may be able to receive a pro-rata benefit based on their combined credits.
In conclusion, the Canada-Ireland Social Security Agreement is a valuable tool for workers who have moved between Canada and Ireland. It ensures that workers who have contributed to both countries` social security systems are not disadvantaged when it comes to receiving benefits. For more information on the agreement and eligibility requirements, please visit the Government of Canada`s website.