A Personal Public Service Number is the Irish equivalent of your National Insurance/Social Security Number.
A PPSN is required in order to apply for any benefits,entitlements, social housing supports and health care (Medical Card) In Ireland. It also the unique reference number relevant to employment and taxation in Ireland.
Some people may already have this number particularly if they are in receipt of a part Irish pension or if they worked in Ireland after 1979. These older PPS numbers were made up of 7 numbers and ending in one or sometimes two letters – example 4567893W or 4567483WA.
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 option for Client Identity Services.
Email: cis@welfare.ie
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 starting employment/applying for a benefit/applying for a Medial Card etc).