Where to go for free advice on SW benefits?

Peig Sayers

Hopefully I will be leaving my job in August (early retirement) and am unsure of what benefits I may be able to receive. I will get a very small monthly pension (about €450) which is not very much to live on . I will also get a lump sum (again, not very much) to keep me going until I reach official pension age in ten years time.

My employer did say I may be entitled to have my monthly payment topped up to bring it into line with SW payments. It is at SWs discretion though. Where would I go to get some information on this? Do I go to my local SW office and see if I can talk to someone there or is there an organisation I could go to for advice? I've been working all my life so no idea how this works and I'd like to get this sorted before I put in my application for early retirement.

wmpdd3

Honestly, I would go to both an independent financial advisor and the citizens information. Though double check any information given just to be sure.

This can be a mine field.

Peig Sayers

wmpdd3 wrote: »

Honestly, I would go to both an independent financial advisor and the citizens information. Though double check any information given just to be sure.

This can be a mine field.

Would Citizens Information be aware of SW benefits?

Kristopherus

Are you retiring from the public service or a private concern?

Peig Sayers

Kristopherus wrote: »

Are you retiring from the public service or a private concern?

Public Service

eastbono

If you are retiring from the public service it is more than likely that you arent paying an A class contribution and will not qualify for benefit. You will need to make a jobseekers claim and be officially disallowed and then pass this on to your ex employer when you do retire early and your ex employer will top up your pension. I have seen this before in the case of psychiatric nurses who can retire early and all they need is an official disallowance.

Peig Sayers

Another question! Would there be any benefit to myself and my partner having a civil partnership? We've never gotten around to it but have spoken about it many times. We live together (no children). On retirement can I transfer my tax credits to my partner so they can earn more money? Is there anything else I should be thinking about before I make my decision?

Peig Sayers

Peig Sayers wrote: »

Another question! Would there be any benefit to myself and my partner having a civil partnership? We've never gotten around to it but have spoken about it many times. We live together (no children). On retirement can I transfer my tax credits to my partner so they can earn more money? Is there anything else I should be thinking about before I make my decision?

Anyone?

yabadabado

your HR/Personnel dept should have all that info for you.