Voluntary or Compulsory Retirement - Teachers and non-teaching staff
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From: Department of Education
- Published on: 10 November 2020
- Last updated on: 15 April 2025
Voluntary or Compulsory is a retirement option that allows teachers and non-teaching staff to retire with payment of pension benefits without actuarial reduction.
Pensions members who are members of the Single Public Service Pension Scheme can obtain information on their pension entitlements by accessing the Public Service Single Pension Scheme.
Teachers
Pension Benefit under the teachers’ scheme
You may be entitled to Pension Benefit under the teachers’ scheme if you:
- are currently employed as a teacher
- are on the Department of Education payroll
- have reached the minimum age, which is currently 60 or 65 depending on your time of entry
How to join the pension scheme
In general, if you are on the Department of Education payroll, you will 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)
- pensionable remuneration (salary) on the last day of service
What benefits may apply
Retirement pension and lump sum.
When you can receive your pension
If you are a new entrant – 65 years of age.
If you are not a new entrant – 60 years of age or 55 years of age, provided that you have at least 35 years actual pensionable service.
Notice period
A 3-month minimum notice period applies in the case of a teacher. While the minimum notice period is 3 calendar months, school management should seek the co-operation 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 3-month minimum notice period may result in the delay in the payment of retirement benefits.
Apply
Teachers
To apply for your pension benefits, please see:
Circular 03/2021: Guidance on Minimum Pension Ages/Compulsory Retirement Ages in the Public Service
[document 37628 ]
Return to:
Pensions Unit, Department of Education, Cornamaddy, Athlone, Co Westmeath, N37X659
Non-Teaching Staff
To apply for your pension please see:
Circular 03/2021: Guidance on Minimum Pension Ages/Compulsory Retirement Ages in the Public Service
Return to:
Pensions Unit, Department of Education, Cornamaddy, Athlone, Co Westmeath, N37X659