Policy information
Public Service Pensions
From Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform
Published on
Last updated on
In general, a public servant is a member of either a pre-existing public service pension scheme specific to their employing organisation or the sector they work in, or the Single Public Service Pension Scheme (‘Single Scheme’).
The pension benefits a public servant receives under their pension scheme generally consist of a retirement pension and a lump sum. Most public service pension schemes also provide for survivor’s benefits in the event of the member’s death.
Certain public servants paying Class A PRSI may also qualify for the State Pension (Contributory), subject to the rules laid down by the Department of Social Protection.
The Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform determines central public service pensions policy, so is generally not in a position to respond to individual queries.
• Public service pension scheme members should contact their local/former Human Resources office or pension administrator for more information on their pension entitlements.
• Individuals should contact the Department of Social Protection for information on the State Pension (Contributory), or on the government’s pensions policy generally (not in relation to public service pension schemes).
The Public Service Pensions Website contains general policy information and resources relating to pre-existing public service pension schemes, and more detailed information in relation to pre-existing civil service pension schemes. The website also includes pension and purchase of service modellers which allow members of the pre-existing civil service pension schemes to estimate their pension benefits or the cost of purchasing service. This website does not cover the Single Public Service Pension Scheme.
Public servants recruited before 2013 are generally members of a pre-existing public service pension scheme specific to their employing organisation or the sector they work in. Each of these schemes have their own rules and information on the terms of each scheme may be obtained from the relevant Human Resources office or pension administrator. Some sector-specific pension resources include:
The Single Scheme was introduced from 1 January 2013. From 1 January 2013, newly appointed pensionable public servants and public servants re-joining the public service after a break in public service employment of greater than 26 weeks, generally become members of the Single Scheme.
Single Scheme members can find more information on the Single Pension Scheme website.