Newly Qualified Teachers

Everything you need to know about your pension scheme — and more!

Bottom line?

The Department of Education or your ETB is aiming for you to rack up 40 years of service — and your pension is capped at that. So, how do you make sure those 40 years are working for you, and not just slipping by?

Book a 1:1 Consult

Not sure where to start? Let’s break it down together. We’ll explain what you’re entitled to, what gaps might pop up, and what you can do now to stay ahead of the game.

When Can I Retire?

If you started teaching after 1st January 2013, you're in the Single Public Service Pension Scheme. Here's what that means:

Normal Retirement Age (NRA): This lines up with the State Pension age — currently 66 but set to rise.
Earliest you can retire? Age 55, under Cost Neutral Early Retirement (it does reduce your benefits).
Must retire by? Age 70.
And yes — you do qualify for the State Pension (currently €277.30 per week as of 2025, but it changes with time).

💡 Even if you work the full 40 years, your pension might not be enough on its own — especially if you’re hoping to maintain your current standard of living in retirement.

Start Early. Plan Smart.

Your pension builds up cumulatively — meaning every day you work adds to your pension and lump sum. But because it’s based on career-average earnings (not final salary), we can't give you a precise pension figure until you retire — sorry, the crystal ball is still on backorder!

✅ What we can do: Show you realistic averages, help you understand your entitlements, and build a tailored plan that works for you.

What You Need as an NQT

You’ve just started out — and your payslip might feel like a mystery wrapped in a riddle. Here’s the starter pack we recommend for every new teacher:

💼 Income Protection (Salary Protection)

Think of this as your financial safety net. If illness or injury puts you out of work, income protection kicks in to cover up to 75% of your salary — keeping the lights on and the bills paid while you recover.

Cover kicks in after 13 weeks (or sooner, depending on the policy).
Payments continue until you’re well enough to return — or until retirement, if needed.
It’s tax-deductible and way cheaper than you’d expect.
Without it? You're relying on sick pay that runs out faster than you think.

🎯 In short: You insure your car, your phone, your pet... Why wouldn’t you insure your income?

🧾 AVC (Additional Voluntary Contributions)

AVCs are a clever, tax-efficient way to top up your retirement income.

You can use them to buy extra pension or boost your lump sum at retirement.
Completely voluntary and totally flexible.
You get full tax relief, which means you're paying Revenue less and saving more for future-you.

Even a small monthly contribution now can snowball into something significant over time. And let’s face it — winning the lotto isn’t a retirement plan.

👣 Your Next Step

You’re just starting a brilliant career — and your financial journey can be just as rewarding with the right guidance. All it takes is:

A dash of financial wisdom
A pinch of budget magic
And a sprinkle of forward planning

We'll show you how to make the most of your payslip, protect your income, and build long-term peace of mind — all in plain English, no jargon, no pressure.

📅 Book Your Teacher Consultation Today

We’ll walk you through your options, give you clear next steps, and make sure you're set up for success — in and out of the classroom.