There have been many changes to Irish pensions over the past couple of years, and there are more to follow in 2026.
These changes are all broadly aimed at improving the pension coverage of our ageing population, improving access to and raising the state contributory pension, and paying for the pensions of the retirees of the future.
The most significant change to the pension system in 2026 is the introduction of auto-enrolment after many years of delays.
2026 also sees increases to the State Pension, as well as PRSI and the Standard Fund Threshold.
The National Pension Helpline is a free service which offers information about pensions in Ireland. You can contact us to discuss your retirement finances and how these changes may affect your pension.
Auto Enrolment Finally Introduced
The new auto enrolment pension scheme, My Future Fund, has finally been introduced.
Coming into effect at the start of January, the auto-enrolment pension scheme will apply to those aged between 23 and 60, who are not currently part of a pension plan, and who earn above €20,000 a year. Anyone who earns less than €20,000 can voluntarily opt into the scheme.
The employee, the employer, and the Government all contribute to the pension of the employee.
For the first year of the scheme, you and your employer will pay 1.5% of your annual salary, with the Government contributing 0.5%. These contributions will rise incrementally until Year 10 of the auto enrolment scheme when the employee and employer contribute 6%, and the Government pays 2%.
There has also been some clarity brought to the way in which pension benefits from the auto enrolment pension scheme are due to be paid on retirement. It is envisaged that 25% of the employee’s fund may be taken as a retirement lump sum. A lump sum up to €200,000 will be tax free, any amount from €200,000 to €500,000 will be taxed at 20%, and any amount above €500,000 will be taxed at 40%.
Pension drawdowns taken after the lump sum will be taxed at the marginal rate of tax, and subject to USC and PRSI up to the age of 70.
As there is a Government contribution to the employee’s auto enrolment pension, there will be no tax relief on employee contributions (unlike contributions to a private pension).
Pension Rates 2026
Budget 2026 brought an increase of €10 per week to the state contributory pension, bringing the maximum personal rate for those under 80 to €299.30 per week.
From 2024, people born in 1958 or later can choose when to begin to receive the State pension (contributory), between 66 and 70. For people born before 1st January 1958, the State pension age remains 66.
Pension Changes 2026
Changes to pensions in 2026 (aside from auto enrolment) are intended to update the standard fund threshold of private pensions and increase PRSI contributions from the working age population in order to fund pensions of the future.
Contact the National Pensions Helpline
With many pension changes taking place in 2026 and beyond, the National Pension Helpline can help you to plan for your retirement and discuss all aspects of pensions with you.
You can take a free 90 second online pension review to claim your free pension planning consultation with a central bank regulated advisor.
