Joining a plan

If you are not already a member of a pension arrangement you should talk to your employer, a financial adviser or do some research on the internet to determine the options that are available to you.

Your options will depend on your work situation. If you are an employee you may be able to join a pension scheme sponsored by your employer. Employees in the public sector can join their public sector pension scheme. The self-employed can take out a personal pension. Personal retirement savings accounts are open to virtually anyone to save for retirement.

Joining a plan also gives you the opportunity to provide financial protection for your dependants in the event of your death.

There is no legal obligation on an employer to set up or contribute to a pension scheme…

Your eligibility to join a pension scheme or take out a personal retirement savings account (PRSA) or a retirement annuity contract (RAC) depends on your work situation…

Depending on the type of pension arrangement you are joining or taking out, you may have to make certain decisions on joining…

While some (non-contributory) schemes do not require members to pay contributions…

The principle of equal pension treatment is that there should be no discrimination on any of the discriminatory grounds…

You are considered a part-time employee if your normal hours of work are less than the normal hours of work of full-time employees…

You are considered a fixed-term worker if your contract of employment is due to end when a specified date is reached…