Auto Enrolment | Important Information for Employees

• It is a new retirement savings system for employees in Ireland.
• The aim is to help employees, who are not members of a pension scheme, to build savings towards retirement.
• Under the scheme, eligible employees will be automatically enrolled.
• The scheme will be managed by the National Automatic Enrolment Retirement Savings Authority (NAERSA) and overseen by the Pensions Authority.
• It is important to note that this is a Government Scheme and is not administered by DCU.  DCU Payroll receive instruction from NAERSA to commence deductions for eligible employees.

General National Eligibility

You are automatically enrolled if you meet all of these criteria:

• Age: You are between 23 and 60 years old.
• Earnings: You earn €20,000 or more per year (across all employments).
• Existing Pension: You are NOT already making a pension contribution or contributing to a PRSA or similar.

Voluntary Opt-In

• If you fall outside of the eligibility criteria you can voluntarily choose to opt in.

Exempt Employees 

You are exempt from auto-enrolment if you are already a member of:

• A public service superannuation scheme.
• The DCU Educational Support Services DAC Pension Scheme.

The contribution structure is phased in over the first 10 years. (Employee + Employer + State) 

Important notes:

• The contributions are applied on gross earnings up to €80,000 (for employer + state part).
• Your contribution is deducted from salary via payroll.
• The State provides the “top-up” rather than the traditional pension tax relief method. For every €3 euro contributed by the member, the government will top this up by €1.

Employees who meet the eligibility criteria and who are not already paying a pension contribution will be enrolled.
In those cases where enrolment occurs:

• The employee will contribute through payroll.
• The employee will receive confirmation of their membership of the scheme.
• The employer and the State contribute at the rates set out in the national scheme.
• The retirement savings pot is managed by NAERSA.
• Access to benfits will occur at retirement age.

• After you are enrolled, there will be a 6-month mandatory participation period. In month 7 and 8 there will be an option to opt out.
• If you opt out, your contributions will be refunded (but employer/State contributions stay in the pot).
• If you opt out, you may be automatically re-enrolled after two years provided you meet the eligibility criteria at that time.
• You may also be allowed to suspend contributions for a period (1–2 years) under certain conditions. 

• If you are eligible and are not paying into a pension/PRSA etc., this provides a pathway to begin saving for retirement, with your employer and the State contributing alongside you.
• Over time this can significantly boost your retirement pot compared with relying on the State pension alone.
• You should consider the impact on your take home pay (the employee contribution will reduce net salary).
• It is important to remember that this scheme does not replace or reduce your entitlement to the State Pension Contributory, it is in addition to it.
• Your savings will be invested and are your personal property
• Your savings pot will follow you from job to job.

• If you have multiple jobs, be aware that your combined earnings may trigger  auto enrolment.
• When contributions commence, review your budget to account for the deduction.

Q: Is this Scheme being administered by DCU?

A: No, this is a Government Scheme and is being administered by the National Automatic Retirement Saving Authority (NAERSA).

Q: Will this affect my existing pension scheme?
A: If you already pay a pension contribution you are generally exempt from auto enrolment.

Q: What if I earn less than €20,000 or aged under 23/over 60?
A: You will not be automatically enrolled, but you will have the option to opt-in voluntarily. 

Q: Can I contribute more than the minimum?
A: Under this scheme you pay the fixed contribution rate determined by the phase-in rules. If you want additional pension savings, you might consider a PRSA or similar.

Q: Can I access my pot early?
A: Generally no, access is only at retirement age (citizens information) except in special circumstances like ill-health.

Q: What happens if I change jobs or leave employment?
A: The savings pot remains yours; contributions cease when eligible employment ends unless you join another eligible employment or opt-in. 

Q: When can I access my benefits from My Future Fund?

A: You can drawdown your savings from My Future Fund from age 66.

Visit the official site on the scheme by the Department of Social Protection: Auto Enrolment Page on Gov.ie

See the Auto Enrolment Pension - My Future Fund page on Citizens Information

Customer Support Options:

• Customer helpline +353 1 5689555
• Webchat support via MyFutureFund Website (live from 1/12/2025) and portal
• FAQ section Dept of Social Protection

• Postal Queries : MyFutureFund, TCS Drive Letterkenny Technolocy Park, Letterkenny Co. Donegal, F92 W8CY