Auto-Enrolment Pension Calculator 2026

Eligibility depends on published scheme parameters. A common simplified summary is: age 23–60, earnings over €20,000, and not already in an occupational pension scheme.

This page assumes eligible earnings are the portion of salary between €20,000 and €80,000, subject to scheme rules and caps.

Not exactly. Auto-Enrolment uses a top-up structure (often described as €1 for every €3 you contribute), which is broadly similar to 25% income tax relief on the employee contribution.

Opt-out means choosing not to participate in AE. In the first 6 months you can get a full refund of contributions. After 6 months, contributions are preserved in your pension account until retirement age.

AE contribution rates phase in over four stages: 1.5% from 2026, 3% from 2028, 4.5% from 2031, and 6% from 2034 onwards. Both employee and employer rates increase together.

No. AE is designed for employees only. Self-employed individuals are not covered and should consider a PRSA or other personal pension arrangement.

Your AE contribution reduces take-home pay by the employee rate (1.5%–6% of eligible earnings between €20k–€80k). This is partially offset by tax relief at your marginal rate (20% or 40%). Use the Your Net Cost card on this page to see your after-relief cost.

Opting out means losing employer match and state top-up — worth thousands per year in free money. Only consider opting out if you have a better pension arrangement(e.g. an occupational pension) or genuine short-term hardship. Toggle the Opted Outswitch on this calculator to see the direct impact.

AE provides a guaranteed state top-up (~25% relief) regardless of your tax rate, plus employer matching. A PRSA offers tax relief at your marginal rate(20% or 40%) and more fund choices, but typically no employer contribution. Higher-rate taxpayers may find PRSA more tax-efficient. You can use both — AE plus an AVC or PRSA on top.

Your employer matches your contribution at the same rate: 1.5% from 2026, rising to 3%, 4.5%, and finally 6% from 2034 onwards, calculated on eligible earnings (€20k–€80k). This is one of the most valuable parts of AE — it is free money added to your pension.

AE pension access age matches the State Pension age (currently 66, rising to 67 and potentially 68). Early access is generally not permitted, except for opt-out refunds within the first 6 months. After that, your contributions are locked in until retirement.

Your AE pension pot moves with you. Contributions stop at your old employer and restart at your new one (if they also participate in AE). You can consolidate multiple pots over time. Unlike some occupational pensions, AE is designed to be portableacross jobs.