On 17 September 2020, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform released Circular 13/2020 to Government Departments’ HR Managers / Personnel Officers.
The Circular provides guidance on the application of the Pensions Benefit Cap, arising from the Single Pensions Act 2012. The Circular is of significant relevance to those Defence Forces Veterans in receipt of military pensions, who are or were employed in the public sector, and who may be entitled to a pre-existing public service pension scheme.
In recent years ARCO has sought clarification, from both the Department of Defence and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, on the interpretation of aspects of the 2012 Act on behalf of these members. ARCO’s enquiries included: accrual rates, notional service, and pensionable service. This information is now contained in this Circular.
To view Circular 13 / 2020, please click here.
In parallel, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform issued explanatory samples for the application of the Pensions Benefit Cap. Examples 4, 5 and 6 apply to enlisted personnel and examples 7,8, 9 and 10 apply to commissioned officers.
To view Explanatory Samples, please click here.
