Redundancy & Pensions Ireland 2026: The Ultimate Guide to Early Access.
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- Facing redundancy at 50? Learn how to access your Irish pension early, claim a 25% tax-free lump sum, and use a PRB to take control of your retirement in 2026.
If you are 50+ and made redundant in Ireland, you may be able to unlock your former pension safely by transferring preserved
workplace benefits into a Personal Retirement Bond (PRB / Buy-Out Bond). In many cases, this can allow a
tax-free lump sum before standard retirement age (subject to scheme rules and revenue limits).
Disclaimer: This content is for general information only and does not constitute financial advice.
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What Happens to Your Pension After Redundancy?
When your employment ends, your employer cannot take back contributions already paid into your scheme.
The most important first step is to check your qualifying service and request your leaving paperwork.
Under 2 years’ service: You may be able to get a refund of your own contributions (tax rules may apply). Employer contributions are usually not refundable. Don’t waive pension rights to secure a larger upfront redundancy payment — it could cost tens of thousands in retirement benefits. Maximise redundancy tax exemptions without compromising your future pension and tax benefits. Because outcomes depend on your age, years of service, salary, and pension value, speak to an advisor first.
2+ years service: Your benefits are usually preserved. You can leave them where they are or transfer to a product like a
PRSA or Buy-Out Bond (PRB) for more control.
Can I Cash In My Pension Early (50+) After Redundancy?
Often yes, and it’s one of the main reasons people seek pension advice after redundancy in Ireland.
If you have a preserved workplace pension, moving it into a Personal Retirement Bond (PRB) can sometimes allow earlier access (rules apply).
Potential benefits (subject to limits and scheme rules):
- Break the link with your old employer
- Access a 25% tax-free cash lump sum (subject to Revenue limits)
- Gain control over how the remaining fund is invested (risk-appropriate strategy)
- Watch out for the Pension Lump Sum Waiver in your redundancy quote. It may cost you thousands in later life.
- By signing this waiver, you are legally giving up your right to take a tax-free lump sum from your pension when you eventually retire. For many, the extra tax savings today might only be a few thousand Euro, but the lost tax-free cash at retirement could be worth tens of thousands. Always have a Qualified Financial Advisor (QFA) run a “comparison calculation” to see exactly what you are sacrificing before you sign.
- Get Advice before signing Redundancy forms
Always get regulated advice before making irreversible pension decisions.
- Your Retirement Planning Options (2026)
Here’s a simple comparison of common routes people take after redundancy. The best option depends on your pension type, your age, and whether you need access soon.
Your Retirement Planning Options (2026)
| Option | Best For… | Why People Choose It |
|---|---|---|
| Deferred Pension (Low Hassle) | Simplicity if you don’t need the money yet | Leave it in place (but review fees and investment choice) |
| Transfer to PRB (Access Focused) | Unlocking pension early (50+) for access and cash | May break the employer link and allow earlier benefits, fees, old fund choices and “Tax-Free Lumpsum Waiver ” risk is fully checked by a Qualified Pension Advisor (rules apply) |
| PRSA Transfer Portable | Moving to self-employment or contracting/job changing | Flexible contributions and portable structure |
Fast next step: Use the eligibility checker to confirm which option fits your pension type, then speak to a regulated advisor if needed.
7-Day Redundancy Pension Checklist
- Identify the pension type: Workplace, PRSA, or MyFutureFund?
- Get a regulated advisor’s advice before waiving any future pension benefits. The highest current figure may not be the best for you and could contain a pension waiver that could cost you tens of thousands later on in life!
- Check qualifying service: More or less than 2 years?
- Request your statement: Get your leaving options letter in writing.
- Review fees: Check whether older schemes have higher charges.
- Check early-access eligibility: If you’re 50+, confirm if PRB access is possible.
- Speak to a QFA (Qualified Financial Advisor): Get regulated guidance before deciding on which redundancy package to select.
Take Control of Your Pension Today
- Don’t leave your hard-earned money sitting in an old former employer’s scheme without checking your options.
Start with the free eligibility check – quick, confidential, and reviewed by a qualified advisor partner.
Disclaimer: This content is for general information only and does not constitute financial advice. Pension rules depend on your scheme and personal circumstances.
FAQs
Can I cash in my pension at 50 after redundancy in Ireland?
In many cases it may be possible if you have a preserved workplace pension and meet the relevant scheme and Revenue conditions.
A PRB (Buy-Out Bond) is often used to access benefits earlier, subject to advice and suitability.
What if I worked there less than 2 years?
Some schemes allow a refund of your own contributions (tax rules can apply). Employer contributions are typically not refundable.
Your Leaving Service Options Statement will confirm exactly what applies to you.
Is the 25% lump sum always tax-free?
A tax-free lump sum may be available in many cases, but it depends on your pension type and revenue limits.
It’s important to confirm the exact figures before proceeding.
Can I still access my old pension at 50 if I have already started a new job?
Yes, in many cases you can. If you have a preserved benefit from a former employer (a pension you are no longer contributing to), that fund is often treated independently of your current employment.
By transferring that “old” pension into a Personal Retirement Bond (PRB), you can often trigger the 25% tax-free lump sum and access the remaining funds as early as age 50 even if you are currently working and earning elsewhere. This is a common strategy for professionals looking to clear a mortgage or reinvest while still active in their careers. However, specific Revenue rules apply to your years of service and the type of scheme, so a professional review is essential.
Legal Disclaimer
UnlockPension.ie is an information-only website and does not provide direct financial advice. The content provided is for general information purposes only. By submitting your information through this platform, your details are sent directly to our regulated pension advisor partners at Q Financial.
Regulatory Disclosure
UnlockPension.ie is a service provided by OMA Financial Services Limited trading as Q Financial.
We are regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland (Ref No: C135240).
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