Get an estimate of your pension benefits
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From: Department of Education
- Published on: 9 November 2020
- Last updated on: 15 April 2025
What an estimate of pension benefits is
An estimate of pension benefits gives you an idea of what benefits you may receive after you retire.
Entitlement to pension benefit
You may be entitled if you are currently employed as a teacher or non-teaching staff (caretakers, special needs assistants and clerical officers) in primary secondary, community and comprehensive schools. You must be on the Department of Education payroll and have reached the minimum age.
How to join
In general, any teacher on the Department of Education payroll may be a member of the teachers' pension scheme.
How pension benefits are calculated
In general pension and lump sum payments are determined by:
- total pensionable service (subject to a maximum of 40 years) and
- pensionable remuneration (salary) on the last day of service
Pensions members who are members of Single Public Service Pension Scheme can obtain information on their pension here
What benefits apply
Retirement pension and lump sum may apply.
Age benefits are payable
- If you're a "New Entrant" - 65 years of age
- If you're not a New Entrant - 60 years of age or
- 55 years of age provided that the teacher has at least 35 years actual pensionable service
Notice period
A three-month minimum notice period applies. While the minimum notice period is 3 calendar months, school management should seek the cooperation of staff in giving the earliest possible notice of their intention to retire in order to facilitate resource planning and timetabling. A failure to comply with the three-month minimum notice period may result in a delay in the payment of retirement benefits.
Apply
To apply for a statement of retirement benefits please complete the Query Form 1 below:
Return to:
Pensions Unit, Department of Education, Cornamaddy, Athlone, Co Westmeath, N37X659.
For school staff who are members of the Single Public Service Pension Scheme, your pension modeller is available here.
Processing times
Please note that requests for statements are processed in order of date received with priority attaching to proposed retirements in the current school year.
The current processing time for statement requests is up to 3 months when all the information has been provided.
Statement requests for proposed retirement in future academic years will take considerably longer. During the peak summer months the processing of actual retirement applications received is awarded a higher priority than the issue of statements of benefits. This approach is necessary due to limited staffing resources and to ensure that benefits for those retiring are processed in a timely manner.