PPS Number

A Personal Public Service (PPS) number is required for all dealings with public services in Ireland, such as the Department of Social Protection and Revenue. Questions about PPS numbers are one of the most frequently raised issues with Same Home Ireland staff.

The information below is intended to provide basic information and to help answer your questions about obtaining a PPS number.


For further details or advice, please contact us at Safe Home Ireland and we will explain the process further and aim to assist you.

FAQ

  • 1. What is a PPS Number?

    A Personal Public Service Number  is a unique reference number that is required in order to access a range of Govenment services in the Irish system, for example; to apply for any benefits, entitlements, social housing support and healthcare (Medical Card) in Ireland.  It is also the unique reference number relevant to the tax system in Ireland. 

     

    Essentially, a PPSN is like the Irish equivalent of a UK National Insurance Number or Social Security Number in the USA


    Some people may already have a valid number particularly if they are

    -In receipt of a part Irish pension 

    -Worked in Ireland after 1979.

    -Were born in Ireland during or after 1972


    Valid PPS numbers are normally made up of 7 digits with one or two  letters at the end – example 1234567W or 1234567WA.


  • 2. How can I find out if I already have a valid PPSN


    Some people may already have a valid number particularly if they; 


    -Are receipt of a part Irish pension or some other welfare payment from the Irish State

    -Worked in Ireland after 1979.

    -Were born in Ireland during or after 1972


    Valid PPS numbers are normally made up of 7 digits with one or tow letters at the end, for example: 1234567W or 1234567WA


    To enquire about an existing PPSN

    Contact: Client Identity Services, Shannon Lodge, Carrick on Shannon, Co. Leitrim


    Telephone: Lo Call 1890 927999 (Ireland only)

    Tel: +353 71 967 2616.

    After initial recorded message, select the option for Client Identity Services.


    Email: cis@welfare.ie


    Notes! 

    For security reasons, details of your PPSN will not be issued/sent to you by email


    Your PPSN cannot be disclosed to a third party without your consent


  • 3. Can I apply for my PPSN before I move back to Ireland?

    It is generally not possible to apply for a PPSN until you are resident in Ireland


    However, Client Identity Services do have a system where non-residents  can apply in ‘exceptional circumstances‘. 

    For more information on this, and the general PPS application process, please see HERE


    Note!

    There is no automatic right to a PPSN. 


    Whether applying as a non-resident or if applying from within Ireland, applicants must provide a valid reason as to why the number is required. 

    You may be asked to provide back up information that demonstrates your valid reason. 


  • 4. I have moved to Ireland, how do I apply for a PPSN?

    For detailed guidance on applying for a PPSN,  please see HERE


    Please note that there is no automatic entitlement to a PPS number. 

    Applicants must be able to show a valid reason why the number is required (E.G applying for social housing /applying for a benefit/applying for a Medical Card etc).

    Applicants can be asked to provide proof of the 'valid reason'. 

  • 5. Is there a different process if applying for a PPSN for a child?

    Please see information HERE on applying for a PPSN for a child.


    The application form to apply for a PPSN  for children under 18 years can be downloaded HERE

  • 6. What else may be accepted as proof of address, I don't have a utility bill at an Irish address?


    For those who do not have a bill in their own name to provide as proof of address for the PPSN registration process, see below for examples of alternative options;


    -If staying with a relative or friend, you can can use a recent original utility  bill belonging to the bill holder of the property. You should also include a note from the bill holder confirming your residency at their address. This note can be written on the bill itself.


    -If you have a letter addressed to you at the property where you are staying that is from another Government agency, this also may be acceptable. 


    - If you are staying in emergency accommodation or hostel, a letter from the management on their official headed notepaper to confirm this may be acceptable