So, in keeping with the informative post theme that I’ve got going on lately, I’ve decided to write a bit about the PPS appointment, which is the third to last step (don’t give up yet, move towards the light!!). Assuming that you find yourself a job, you’ll need a PPS number, which stands for personal public service number, in order to do the fun stuff like get paid (which is always the end goal) and pay taxes (not so much the end goal).

Unlike the GNIB, which is a big shit-show of people vying for appointments and spots in the line, your PPS appointment will be something scheduled and organized. In order to get an appointment though, you have to make an account on MyWelfare, which is the Irish site which deals with public services. BUT in order to access MyWelfare you have to use your account information from MyGovID, which is confusing but is pretty much the same account details.

There’s a link in the left hand corner of the MyGovID page which says “register,” which’ll lead you to the sign up process where you can input all your information. From there, you’ll see an icon on your MyWelfare dashboard which says “Appointments,” which is where you’ll need to go to reserve your spot.

I would recommend going on and making your appointment as soon as possible. I went in and did it right after the GNIB because usually there’s nothing open until the following month. You can always go in and cancel or change the date of your appointment, but getting in as early as possible means that you can sooner be paid and set up your bank account.

When the time comes for you to go to your meeting, you’ll need official proof of ID (which means get out that passport) and a document proving your employment/address in Ireland. Make sure your proof of employment document has your address on it, if you’re requesting it from your employer, make sure they have it on there. Most employers will know how to write a formal letter of employment, but there are tons of templates online that you could fill out and just send to them to fill in their details and sign.

*Also note the address of your appointment, there are two PPS offices in Dublin, one is The Intreo Centre 197-199 Parnell St in Dublin 1 and the other is D’Olier House on D’Olier St in Dublin 2. I went to the latter office, it’s between the Spar and the Ashfield Hostel.*

Once you get there you’ll check in and fill out a sheet with basic information like your name, birth date, address, etc. Then, they’ll call you up to a desk (for me it took less than 10 mins to have my name called) where they’ll ask you for a lot of the same information you filled out on the sheet. You’ll have to present your passport and proof of employment document so they can take scans. The woman who spoke with me also called my employer just to confirm I worked with them, so let your boss know when your appointment is just in case they call.

After all the documents are scanned and you’ve answered all the questions you’ll be free to go! They’ll send your PPS number along (it took me about 5 business days to get it) along with a PPS ID card, which comes a bit later.

Once you get your PPS number, however, you’ll be ready to send in your form 12A, which I’ll post about next, which is important because it is one of the few documents you can use as official proof of address in order to open your bank account.

All in all, by this point you’re probably wanting to pull your hair out, but that wouldn’t be good for all your future Facebook pictures from various scenic Irish locations. So take a deep breath, make some tea, buy and eat a whole roll of chocolate digestives and keep on going.

So here’s a majestic picture of the Cliffs of Moher to inspire you…