Public Sector Pension/Superannuation Advice

Public Sector Superannuation Schemes

Public Sector Superannuation schemes can be quite complex and difficult to understand. Our team of Advisors have vast experience with advising public servants on these schemes.

Below is some of the main financial queries which we help our clients calculate and understand:

The majority of Civil Servants who commenced full-time employment in a public sector position is a member of one of the 2 main Superannuation schemes.

Compulsory Contributions to earn Superannuation Entitlements

The 2 main compulsory contributions are as follows

Step 1

Pensions Consultancy Service

For each payslip, a contribution of roughly 5% of your Gross (before Tax) earnings is made. These are compulsory contributions and are usually visible on each payslip (right-hand side). The deductions can be named differently on your payslip, depending on which department you are being paid from. The most popular titles for these deductions are: Pension Grouped Pension 170 Additional Superannuation Contributions (ASC)

Step 2

Spouses and children’s Benefits’ deduction

Another compulsory deduction that is visible on most payslips is called Spouses and Children’s benefit. This can often be named ‘1.5% Sp &Ch’ on your payslip. This deduction entitles you to a Death-in-Service benefit (see below)

Step 3

Superannuation Benefits and Entitlements

Every year you work, you earn entitlements as a public servant from whichever superannuation scheme you are a member of. The benefits and entitlements are calculated differently with each scheme. Generally speaking, the Pre-2013 scheme benefits are more significant, particularly when comparing the pension entitlements. The tax-free lump sum and pension entitlements are roughly 40% more with the Pre 2013 scheme than the post-2013 scheme.

Pension Entitlements

Tax-Free Lumps sums and annual pension calculations The implications of retiring early, resigning/leaving the public service, taking a career breaks or unpaid unpaid leave etc Retiring on Cost Neutral grounds Retiring on ill health Grounds

Tax-Free Lumps sums and annual pension calculations The implications of retiring early, resigning/leaving the public service, taking a career breaks or unpaid unpaid leave etc Retiring on Cost Neutral grounds Retiring on ill health Grounds

AVCs

whether you are overfunded or underfunded The tax implications of any AVC Funds on retirement (if overfunded) How to use AVCs to max out your Tax-free lump sums Whether you should start, stop or restart your AVCs

whether you are overfunded or underfunded The tax implications of any AVC Funds on retirement (if overfunded) How to use AVCs to max out your Tax-free lump sums Whether you should start, stop or restart your AVCs

Last Minute AVCs

When these are required and how to set up/draw down these funds Sick Pay Entitlements Death In Service Entitlements Spouses and Children’s Benefit

When these are required and how to set up/draw down these funds Sick Pay Entitlements Death In Service Entitlements Spouses and Children’s Benefit

Get in touch with us

We’re here to help—reach out anytime for expert advice, personalised support, or answers to your financial questions.

Mernie joined Money Sense as a Director in 2008 and works in the area of administration and compliance.

Mernie is an Economics and French graduate from UCC.

Mernie also has a postgraduate diploma in Computing and has previously worked in the IT industry for a number of years.

Mernie’s IT experience and business acumen are invaluable in organising and managing the office and maintaining strict compliance requirements.

Mobile: 087 8364150

John is a Qualified Financial Advisor (QFA) who has over 40 years of experience working in the Financial Services Industry.

Having previously worked in the Banking Sector for 28 years, John has acquired significant knowledge and experience in all areas of financial planning and advice.

Establishing Money Sense Financial Services has enabled John to use his extensive experience in providing impartial and sound judgement in the pursuit of better Client solutions in the open marketplace.

John is extremely passionate and committed to his work and prides himself on a positive ‘can do’ attitude. He is very dependable and will do everything in his power to assist customers achieve their financial goals.

In his spare time, John is a staunch GAA enthusiast, being currently involved with Dr. Crokes GAA Club as Manager of their Senior Hurling Team.

Originally from Newtownshandrum, John is a proud Cork man but has settled well in his adopted County and is doing everything in his power to promote the small ball game in Kerry.

John is also a member of Killarney Golf Club with a respectable handicap. John gives 100% in every project he undertakes and exudes positive energy and enthusiasm which can be infectious.