360 thousand pensioners and medical card holders will face a hike in their Universal Social Charge from the start of next year.
It's as a result of a special low rate of 4 percent coming to an end - and being replaced by a 7 percent rate.
The Irish Independent reports that those affected will be hit by as much as 700 euro a year.
At the same time, high-earning self-employed people will also see a drop in their 10 percent USC rate to 7 percent - resulting in savings.
