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Additional Superannuation Contribution (ASC)

Background

The Additional Superannuation Contribution (ASC) was originally proposed in June 2017 as part of the Public Service Stability Agreement (2018-2020), and was subsequently legislated under the Public Service Pay and Pensions Act 2017. It replaced the temporary Pension Related Deduction (PRD) with effect from 1 January 2019.

ASC was a major public service pension reform, introduced to secure additional permanent employee contributions to ensure the sustainable financing of public service pensions into the future.

Application of ASC

ASC is chargeable on pensionable remuneration only and different rates apply depending on whether a public servant is a member of a standard accrual pension scheme, a fast accrual pension scheme or the Single Public Service Pension Scheme.

ASC applies to serving public service employees who have a public service pension entitlement. It does not apply to public service pensioners. Transitional exemption thresholds and/or rates applied from 1 January 2019 and a permanent set of exemption thresholds and rates has applied since 1 January 2020.

Further detailed information on ASC is set out in Circular 21/2018: Transition to Additional Superannuation Contribution (ASC) from Pension Related Deduction (PRD) in the Public Service on 1 January 2019.

ASC rates

Member of a Standard Accrual Pension Scheme

2019 2020+ Rate
€0 to €32,000 €0 to €34,500 Exempt
Over €32,000 to €60,000 Over €34,500 to €60,000 10%
Over €60,000 Over €60,000 10.5%

Member of a Fast Accrual Pension Scheme

2019+ Rate
€0 to €28,750 Exempt
Over €28,750 to €60,000 10%
Over €60,000 10.5%

Member of the Single Public Service Pension Scheme

2019 Rate 2020+ Rate
€0 to €32,000 Exempt €0 to €34,500 Exempt
Over €32,000 to €60,000 6.66% Over €34,500 to €60,000 3.33%
Over €60,000 7% Over €60,000 3.5%

ASC forms

Public servants are required to fill out certain forms in respect of their Additional Superannuation Contribution (ASC) liability at different times in the lifecycle of their career, such as on commencing employment with a public service body, or when requesting a refund of ASC on cessation of employment. The various ASC Forms are available here.

Supporting information

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ASC information to payroll providers