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No, you don't get them back if you retire single, on the theory that you could still marry and your new spouse would be entitled.I am the same but I think I remember reading somewhere that when you retuire, if you have not had any spouse/children your contributions are refunded. I can't remember where I read it though - sorry!
You could try speaking to the Equality Authority and/or taking a case via the Equality Tribunal, on the grounds that you are discriminated against based on family status. I don't think you'll get very far, but there is no harm in testing the system anyway.
It is far from obvious that taking a case is 'clogging up our legal system'. The same arguement could be made about pretty much every single civil case that goes to court, where both sides are convinced they have a good chance of winning.Apart from clogging up our legal system obviously
Here's an excerpt from my pension scheme faq:
"Are my contributions refunded if I remain unmarried throughout the time that the Scheme applies to me?
Yes (less an appropriate deduction for income tax)."
sounds vaguely hopeful
at some stage a few years ago --maybe 7--can't remember a form came around with the option to opt out of this contribution. I signed it and sent it back to the department of ed. however I noticed it still came out of my salary so I rang about it and was told that even though I've opted out I still have to pay in 'till I retire and then I'll get back my contributions. This was confirmed for me by a Cornmarket person recently enough.
Is it a straight cash refund, or is there some interest or investment growth over time? If they took a hundred quid off you 20 years ago, there is not much point in getting that cash back. You really want to see some compounded growth.Here's an excerpt from my pension scheme faq:
"Are my contributions refunded if I remain unmarried throughout the time that the Scheme applies to me?
Yes (less an appropriate deduction for income tax)."
Is it a straight cash refund, or is there some interest or investment growth over time? If they took a hundred quid off you 20 years ago, there is not much point in getting that cash back. You really want to see some compounded growth.
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