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Unlock Your Pension Early with Expert Advice
If you’re a former member of an occupational pension scheme and thinking about early retirement, you may have more options than you realise. Thanks to changes in Irish pension legislation, it’s now possible to unlock your pension from age 50 and take greater control over how your retirement savings are accessed and managed. We’ll guide you through the process, make sure the numbers work, and explain your options clearly so you can decide what’s right for you.
Start your Pension Journey
Explore your options for unlocking your pension early. Leave your details and a qualified advisor will be in touch.
What Our Clients Say
Who Early Retirement Services Are For
This service is designed for people who have left a company or changed jobs and still have benefits in a previous employer’s pension scheme. It may be right for you if you:
Are no longer employed by the company that set up your pension
Are aged 50 or over (or approaching it)
Want to explore retirement before the standard age
Would like to access part of your fund as tax-free cash
Prefer flexible drawdown options rather than a fixed annuity
Need help deciding if moving or unlocking your pension makes sense
If you’re asking whether you can unlock your pension early, we’ll help you understand your options and avoid costly mistakes.
Not sure if it’s time to unlock your pension? Start with a no obligation consultation.
What Is Early Retirement and Why It Matters
Early retirement means accessing your pension benefits before the usual retirement age, typically from age 50 for occupational schemes and from age 60 for personal pensions or PRSAs. If you’ve left an employer, you may now have the option to:
This gives you more freedom over how and when to use the savings you’ve worked hard for.
Take up to 25% of your pension fund as tax-free cash (within Revenue limits)
Transfer the remainder to a flexible income arrangement (such as an ARF)
Control how your fund is invested and drawn down
Preserve pension wealth for your family
Are You Eligible to Unlock Your Pension Early?
Eligibility depends on your age, the type of pension, and whether you’re still employed by the company that set it up. You may qualify if:
We’ll clarify what applies to you, when early access makes sense, and how to avoid any pitfalls.
You’ve left a company and have a pension from your time there
You’re at least age 50 (or will be soon)
Your previous scheme rules allow early access
You hold a PRSA or personal pension and are approaching age 60
Start With a Consultation
Get clear advice on your pension options and next steps.
Watch: Can You Access Your Pension From Age 50?
A short explainer on the rules around taking your pension early.
Can You Access Your Pension From Age 50?
Find out if you’re eligible to access your pension early from age 50.
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Early Retirement Calculator
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Early Retirement Calculator
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How the Early Pension Access Process Works
Unlocking your pension early doesn’t have to be a hassle. Here’s how we help:
Step 1 – Initial Call
We listen to your goals, assess your pension type, and confirm whether early access is possible.
Step 2 – We Gather Scheme Info
With your consent, we contact your provider to gather key details like transfer values, benefit options, and scheme rules.
Step 3 – You Receive Clear Guidance
We explain the pros and cons of unlocking now versus waiting, and how options like ARF, AMRF or annuity might work for you.
Step 4 – You Decide, We Handle the Setup
If you decide to proceed, we handle the paperwork, liaise with your provider, and make sure your chosen route is implemented smoothly.
Why Unlocking Your Pension Early Can Be Worth It
Accessing your pension earlier may give you:
Greater Flexibility
Access funds on your terms, rather than waiting for scheme retirement age or buying a fixed annuity.
More Control
Choose how your fund is invested, adjust income over time, and make changes as life evolves.
Potential for Higher Tax-Free Lump Sum
In many cases, up to 25% of your fund can be taken tax-free.
Preserve Wealth
With flexible drawdown, your pension can pass to your spouse or estate instead of ending with an annuity.
Confidence from Tailored Early Retirement Advice
We’ll explain the options, outline the trade-offs, and only recommend a transfer or early access if it makes sense for your long-term goals.
Talk to Our Team About Early Pension Access
If you’re thinking about retiring early or just want to understand your options, we’re here to help. No pressure, no jargon.
Frequently Asked Questions About Getting Your Pension Early
Can I access my pension if I've left my job?
Yes. If you’ve left a company and have a pension from your time there, you may be able to access it from age 50, depending on your scheme’s rules and Revenue guidelines.
What types of pensions can be unlocked early?
Early access usually applies to occupational or company pensions where you’re no longer employed by the sponsoring company. Personal pensions and PRSAs can generally be accessed from age 60.
Do I need to transfer my pension first?
Not always. Some people choose to transfer to a new arrangement for flexibility, but others can access benefits directly from their existing scheme. We’ll review your situation and explain the most efficient route.
Is there a minimum pension size for early access or transfer?
There’s no official minimum, but in practice, it’s usually worthwhile for funds of around €10,000 or more. Smaller pensions can be less cost-effective once fees and administration are considered.
How much can I take as tax-free cash?
You can normally take up to 25% of your pension fund tax-free, within Revenue limits. The rest can provide flexible income or be left invested for future use.
What if I'm still working for the same employer?
You can only unlock your pension early if you’ve left the company that set up the scheme. If you’re still employed there, you’ll need to wait until the scheme’s normal retirement age.
Can I take early access from a PRSA or personal pension?
Yes, but typically not until age 60. These pensions follow different Revenue rules than occupational schemes.
Will unlocking my pension affect my tax position?
It depends on how and when you access your funds. We’ll explain your tax options clearly before you make any decisions, so there are no surprises.
Can I still pay into a pension after unlocking one?
Yes. You can continue contributing to a separate PRSA or personal pension even if you’ve taken early access from a previous employer’s scheme.
What Our Clients Say
Real feedback from clients who used this service
Rosemary
I found Chris and his team very easy to deal with. Chris was very patient and explained all the options available to me. The advice I got was professional and concise. Louise’s customer service was excellent. I was transferring out of my DB Pension and was quite anxious about making the right decisions. I am happy to say that everything went very smoothly. Chris and Louise kept me updated on each stage of the process and responded quickly to any questions i had. Great service.
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Contact Our Directors
Get personalised pension advice from our experienced team of qualified financial advisors.
Chris McKenzie
CFP® | SIA | QFA
Director
Chris Crowley
PgD | SIA | RPA | FPRA | QFA
Director
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