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Pension Entitlements in the Defence Forces

Over the last year, while assisting members in different military locations, it has become apparent that there is widespread confusion as to the differing pension entitlements members find themselves on.
 

While the idea of pensions are far from your mind as a recruit entering service, the type of pension scheme that you are entered on will have a major impact on your future service and may well be a deciding factor for an individual’s decision to remain in service from the initial five (5) years.

Currently, the PDF operates three (3) different pension schemes. The entry point for these schemes is dependent on the individual’s date of enlistment. On your initial day reporting for
service, the recruiting NCO/Officer will sit with you, as an individual, and complete an AF 339. The NCO/ Officer will read each question individually to you and you will answer Yes or No as applicable. At the end of these questions you will be asked to sign the AF 339 declaring that you have understood the questions as outlined and you will be officially

‘sworn in’ and this document will be signed by a commissioned officer.

The AF 339 is the most important document that you will sign during your service in the PDF, in truth, this is your ‘Contract’ with the Defence Forces for the next five (5) years. (The exact details, or terms, of which are contained in ‘A’ Admin Instruction Part 10) Contained within the AF 339 is an outline of the Public Service Superannuation Act for those who have enlisted after 01 April 2004 or the Single State Pension Scheme for those who enlisted from 01 January 2013. Personnel who enlisted after Over the last year, while assisting members in different military locations, it has become apparent that there is widespread confusion as to the differing pension entitlements members find themselves on.

​While the idea of pensions are far from your mind as a recruit entering service, the type of pension scheme that you are entered on will have a major impact on your future service and may well be a deciding factor for an individual’s decision to remain in service from the initial five (5) years. Currently, the PDF operates three (3) different pension schemes. The entry point for these schemes is dependent on the individual’s date of enlistment. On your initial day reporting for service, the recruiting NCO/Officer will sit with you, as an individual, and complete an AF 339. The NCO/ Officer will read each question individually to you and you will answer Yes or No as applicable. At the end of these questions you will be asked to sign the AF 339 declaring that you have understood the questions as outlined and you will be officially01 April 2004

  • Minimum Pension age of 50 Years
  • Pension & Gratuities will NOT be paid on retirement unless the individual serves to age 50.
  • Personnel who retire before age 50 have a preserved pension & gratuity which are paid at 60 and are based on retiring rank. Personnel who enlisted after 01 January 2013
  • Minimum Pension age of 50 Years Pension & Gratuities will NOT be paid on retirement unless the individual serves to age 50.
  • Personnel who retire before age 50 have a preserved pension & gratuity which are paid at *68.

Information Source Defender

Public sector pensions

If you joined on or after 1 January 2013, your pension entitlement will be based on your career-average revalued earnings (that is, your earnings are averaged over your whole period of employment and adjusted for inflation), rather than your final earnings. A lump sum is also generally payable. This is known as the Single Scheme.

Increasing your pension fund above the minimum requirements

Depending on the rules of the scheme or the PRSA, you may be able to pay in more than the specified contribution to increase your pension benefits. Such contributions are normally known as additional voluntary contributions (AVCs). If you are a member of an occupational pension scheme that does not allow for AVCs, your employer must allow you access to a PRSA, so that you have the option of making AVCs. There are limits on the additional amounts that allow you to claim tax relief. These limits increase with age and are discussed in the taxation section below. If you are a public sector, civil service or semi-state employee and a member of an occupational scheme, you may be entitled to buy extra notional years of service to increase your eventual pension entitlements. This is known as notional service purchase (NSP). You can do this either by paying a lump sum or by making an extra regular contribution from your earnings.

Making a complaint about a pension

If you have a complaint about your pension, the action you may take depends on the type of pension. • Occupational pension scheme – Contact your employer, the administrator of the plan, the trustees of the plan, the Pensions Authority, or the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman • Personal pension – Contact your pension provider, the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman, or the Central Bank of Ireland