You need a Personal Public Service Number, perhaps better known as a PPSN or PPS, for dealing with nearly all public services in Ireland. This unique reference is needed for a range of important things such as accessing medical services, applying for a driving license and even registering for a college course. This is why knowing what there is to know about getting a PPS number in Ireland is crucial to ensuring your settling-in process goes as smoothly as possible.
This is everything you need to know about getting a PPS number in Ireland, including how a non-resident can get a PPS number and how long you can expect to wait to get your number.
How to get a PPS number in Ireland
You will be happy to know that the process of getting a PPS number in Ireland is pretty straightforward! PPS numbers are given by the Department of Social Protection (DSP). Applications used to be carried out through face-to-face interviews which meant that wait times could be quite long, however, it can now be done by applying online through www.mywelfare.ie.
To get a PPS number, you will need to provide the below three documents:
- Evidence of your identity eg. a passport and/or birth certificate
- Evidence of why you need a PPS number eg. offer of employment or to register for college
- Proof of address eg. utility bill or tenancy agreement
How does a non-resident get a PPS number?
You might be thinking; “I don’t have all the required documents to register for a PPS number in Ireland!”. Don’t worry – if you’re a non-resident in Ireland, you can contact DSP’s Client Identity Services (CIS) directly by completing their online contact form or calling on 0818 927 999 (or +353 1 7043281 if calling from outside of Ireland).
They will be able to take you through the next steps and assist you with your application form.
What documents do I need to apply for a PPS?
As mentioned above, you will typically need three documents to get a PPS number in Ireland, these include evidence of your identity, evidence of why you need a PPS number and proof of address.
Documents accepted as evidence of your identity
If you are an EU citizen, a current passport or National Identity Card will be accepted as proof of identity. For non-EU/EEA citizens, a current passport will suffice.
Documents accepted as evidence of why you need a PPS number
Although a common reason to need a PPS number is to take up employment, you do not need a PPS number if you are only in the process of looking for work or waiting for a job offer. Apart from an offer of employment, access to medical services, applying for or exchanging a driver’s license or registering for a school or college course are all applicable reasons to need a PPS number.
Documents accepted as evidence of proof of address
The document that you provide as proof of address can’t be any older than 3 months and must include your name and address. A utility bill, a financial statement or confirmation of accommodation by the property owner are all acceptable documents.
Remember, if you are a non-resident of Ireland, you may not yet have all the required documents. Make sure to contact DSP directly who will be able to guide you through the process.
How long will it take to get a PPS number in Ireland?
Everybody’s experience will be different but in general, you can expect the total process of applying for and receiving your PPS number to take between 6-8 weeks in total.
Can I get paid without a PPS number?
You can apply for jobs in Ireland without a PPS number but getting paid without a PPS number can result in paying a whole lot of tax! The reason for this is simple – your employer needs your PPS number to ensure that your tax is dealt with properly and that you receive any benefits that you may be entitled to in the future. If you cannot provide your PPS number before you begin work, your employer will have to tax you at a higher rate of tax.
Before your first day of work, make sure to provide your employer with your PPS number if you can and to register the details of your job on the myAccount section on Revenue.ie to avoid any tax complications or confusion.
Can your PPS number expire?
Your PPS number won’t expire however the physical card itself (also known as a public services card) has an expiry date. This card will be issued to you when you successfully apply for your PPS number. It’s recommended to renew your public services card if it is due to expire within the next 90 days or if it has already expired.
If your card is lost or stolen, it’s important to contact the Public Service Helpdesk on 0818837000.
At MoneyJar, we offer a simple solution for setting up a digital account. We provide lots of ways to help you stay on top of your spending and make the process of setting up an account simple when you make the move to Ireland. Find out more about how we can help you have the freedom to be better with money here.
