1. Payment type: social insurance payment (usually called welfare) is linked to social insurance (PRSI) fees paid by employees in the relevant tax year during the employment period. PRSI (Wage-related Social Insurance) is the insurance premium paid by Irish employers and employees to the national fund. The fund is used to pay social welfare.
2. Non-contributory: According to personal economic situation (based on income), social assistance is provided to those who are not eligible for contributory benefits due to insufficient payment or those whose rights have expired. They are usually called allowances. The means test is conducted by the Ministry of Social and Family Affairs.
3. Universal type: the situation of enjoying welfare regardless of insurance payment or economic situation. For example, people over 66 can take public transport for free.