Pension cash-in??

Can I cash-in a dormant pension (dormant since 2002),with a current encashment value of €2700 ?? If so , who do I contact- the pension provider or a third party ??

As a general rule, no - you can't cash in a pension. You can't get your hands on the money until you reach retirement age.

In certain limited circumstances, where you were a member of the scheme for less than the 'vesting period' (usually 2 years), you may be able to get a refund less a deduction for tax.

I thought you could get access to such a pension at the age of 50?

Roy

You can cash in a Buy-Out Bond from age 50 onwards but not a personal or occupational pension.

Not entirely true...

You can retire early from an Occupational Pension Scheme with the agreement of the scheme trustees from age 50.

Re: Not entirely true...

So - does that mean that at age 50 onwards you could withdraw all the money -including employer's contributions? Do you know if there's such a thing as 'vesting' in that you can get your hands on all the employers contributions after they've been in the scheme for so long. In the company I'm with in the U.S. as long as you've been with them 5years+ you are 'fully vested' so get to keep 100% of what they contribute (you'll pay what taxes and penalties on this of course.) I have a pension back in Ireland from my time with the same company, but it seems that if I attempt to withdraw I'd lose all their contributions - is this correct ?

Re: Not entirely true...

Statutory maximum vesting period on Irish Occupational Schemes is now 2 years.

Yes you can withdraw value of employer and employee contributions from age 50, in the form of a pension and/or lump sum depending on Revenue limits.