Teaching Service Abroad
Teaching service abroad which is recognised for the purpose of paying additional increments on the salary scale is not recognised for pension purposes, since no contributions are made to the pension scheme here during the period of service abroad.
Teachers employed in Great Britain and Northern Ireland accumulate two records of benefit: Teachers Superannuation Scheme, and PRSI Contribution/Entitlement.
Teachers with recognised service will have entitlements for superannuation purposes. On leaving service they have two options:
- withdraw their contributions and thereby forego any future benefit; or
- opt for preserved benefit whereby an entitlement to pension, based on recognised service would accrue from age 60.
Enquiries to Department of Education and Skills (Pensions Branch), Mowden Hall, Darlington D13 9BG.
PRSI contribution records may give entitlement to pre-retirement or old age pension. Enquiries regarding entitlements should be addressed to Health and Social Security, Overseas Group, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE98 1YX.
It is recommended that teachers who gave service abroad, particularly in Northern Ireland or Britain, should not withdraw contributions to the appropriate pension schemes but opt for preserved benefits so that they can claim additional pension from their previous employers at the appropriate time.
