A system includes a metallic contact integrated onto a semiconductor integrated circuit substrate with a stress buffer dielectric between the contact and the bulk dielectric. The bulk dielectric typically covers an integrated circuit metal layer to provide electrical isolation of the circuitry. The semiconductor circuit can include a trace that connects the contact to a package pad to enable external access to the signal from off the semiconductor circuit. The stress buffer dielectric has higher elongation and lower filler loading relative to the bulk dielectric, which makes the stress buffer more pliable. The stress buffer is disposed between the contact and the bulk dielectric to improve stress response, reducing the possibility of delamination of the contact from the bulk dielectric.