Public service pensions
What is a public service pension and how can you boost your benefits?
A public service pension is a retirement plan for government, local authority and semi‑state company employees. There are two main types of public service pension schemes: pre‑2013 defined benefit schemes and the Single Public Service Pension Scheme, which applies to people who joined on or after 1 January 2013.
If you started on or after 1 January 2013, you are a member of the Single Public Service Pension Scheme. Your pension is based on your earnings each year you work, not just your final salary. You can boost your pension by making Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVCs) or purchasing notional service to buy back years of service. For more information, contact your employer or visit the Public Service Pensions page.
How are pension benefits calculated?
Pension benefits are usually calculated based on your salary, years of service and the rules of your pension scheme. For more details or to estimate your benefits, contact your HR department.
Which schemes do public servants belong to?
Public servants employed before 2013
These public servants belong to sector-specific pension schemes (e.g., civil service, HSE, teacher schemes). Contact your employer (relevant Government Department or State Body) for scheme rules or pension estimates. For information on the rules of their particular scheme or for pension estimates go to Public Service Pensions on Gov.ie.
Key features of pre-2013 scheme:
Defined benefit model:
Your pension is calculated using your final salary and total years of service. Each year, you build up a slice of your pension based on that year's pay. These slices are added up and adjusted for inflation.
Benefits:
- Annual pension for life (usually based on a formula such as years of service × final salary × 1/80)
- Tax-free cash lump sum (commonly years of service × final salary × 3/80)
- Survivor benefits for spouses and children
Retirement age:
- Typically, 60 for most schemes, with options for cost-neutral early retirement from 50
- Teachers may retire from 55 without a reduction in their pension if they have 35 years of service
PRSI class:
- Pre-April 1995 entrants usually pay Class D PRSI and do not qualify for the State Pension (Contributory)
- Post-1995 entrants pay Class A PRSI and their occupational pension is integrated with the State Pension
Additional options:
- Purchase of notional service to make up for career breaks or unpaid leave
- Added years for ill-health retirement in certain cases
Public servants who joined on or after 1 January 2013
These public servants are members of the Single Public Service Pension Scheme. Find more information on the Single Public Service Pension Scheme. Rules may differ for part-time or job-share employees. Check with your employer to confirm eligibility for pension benefits and additional contributions.
Key features of the Single Scheme:
Career-average model:
Your pension is based on your earnings each year, adjusted for inflation.
Benefits:
- Annual pension payable for life after retirement
- Tax-free cash lump sum on retirement
- Survivor benefits for spouses/civil partners and dependent children
Retirement age:
Minimum retirement age is 66 (rising in line with State Pension age). Compulsory retirement age is 70.
Contributions:
Members pay two separate contributions from salary.
Portability:
- If you move within the public sector, your Single Scheme benefits carry over
- If you leave after more than two years, benefits are preserved until retirement age
Estimates and tools:
Use the Gov.ie Single Scheme Member Calculation Tool to estimate costs for purchasing extra benefits or transferring in.
How to have a bigger pension
When reviewing your pension, you may explore at ways to increase your fund, so you have enough to meet your needs at retirement. Two main options are:
1. Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVCs)
For most Single Scheme members, the details are set out in Circular 15/2019. Depending on your circumstances, you may also be able to make additional voluntary contributions to separate Revenue-approved pension arrangements (e.g. an AVC Personal Retirement Savings Account or an AVC Scheme that is affiliated to your trade union or representative association) if you wish to independently increase your retirement benefits outside of the Single Scheme.
As your employer cannot provide you with financial advice about purchase or AVCs, you should seek financial advice independently. You may be able to claim tax relief on AVCs, which can reduce the cost of making extra contributions. For details, go to Revenue’s guide on pension tax relief.
2. How to buy back years (notional service)
If you won’t have 40 years of service by retirement, you can pay to “buy back” missing years (for example, due to a career break). This provides a guaranteed extra pension. The cost depends on your age and how many years you buy. Contact your employer for an estimate.
Civil or public servants who have taken a career break or other types of unpaid leave (e.g., term-time leave, unpaid sick leave) can purchase pension benefits to make up for missed contributions.
What happens if you leave public service before retirement?
If you leave public service before reaching retirement age, you may be entitled to a Preserved Pension, which is paid when you reach the scheme’s retirement age. In some cases, you may be able to transfer your pension benefits to another approved scheme.
Survivor and dependent benefits
Most public sector pension schemes provide benefits for your spouse, civil partner or dependent children if you die before or after retirement. The amount and eligibility depend on your scheme’s rules.
How to request a pension estimate
You can request a pension estimate by contacting your employer’s HR or pension administration office. Some schemes also offer online calculators or self-service portals to help you estimate your future benefits.
