Applying for Retirement Benefits

When can I normally retire?

  • If you were in pensionable service prior to 1 January 2007, your Normal Pension Age (NPA) is 60.
  • If you entered pensionable service for the first time on or after 1 January 2007, your NPA is 65.
  • If you return to pensionable service after a break of more than five years, your NPA will still be 60 in respect of your earlier service, but it will be 65 for your future service.

What are the different types of retirement?

  • Ill health: where you are no longer fit enough to continue teaching.
  • Premature: where your employer releases you on grounds of redundancy or in the interests of the employer’s functions.
  • Actuarially Reduced Benefits (ARB): where you choose to take your benefits from age 55, but before NPA.
  • Age: benefits taken at NPA or later.
  • Phased retirement: where you take part of your benefits and remain in employment in a reduced capacity e.g. by going part time.

For further information please refer to Planning for Retirement leaflet and fact sheet.