Are funds in a AVC PRSA counted as Means for Jobseekers allowance?

I have learnt so much from many educational and detailed posts in AAM, but cant see anything around this topic.

I will be resigning from a public sector post with 33 years service due to stress related health issues at 57, and intend to claim Jobseekers benefit immediatly.

If after 9 months on JSB, I may have to claim JSA, to keep me going until retirement age 60.

I will have less that 20K savings at that point, but will have approx 60K in an AVC PRSA (Zurich) that I have set up through a broker, linked to my public sector job, which I can cash in at retirement aged 60 (it is intended to maximise Tax free Lump sum, as I dont have full service).

My question is as follows: Would that AVC PRSA be considered as Means, at the time of application for Job seekers Allowance at age 58?

Thanks so much for your consideration of my query

You aren’t in receipt of payments from the PRSA therefore it is not classed as means, so you should be OK. If you were receiving benefits from the PRSA it would be considered income (means) and therefore it would be taken into account.

look in HERE, it confirms what Freelance said:

Other payments and contributions not included:​

• PRSA contributions
• Income from recognised non-profit making charitable organisations

Thank you Freelance and Vinterested. That is very helpful