Pension scheme get out

[Buckiefc]

I am under 30 and took a lump sum from my SSIA and put it into a pension with my bank. Now though in the current climate I need the money to pay off some loans etc and am wondering if I can cash in the pension or are there stipulations to doing this? I know obviously that I would loose the additional 1/3 on top of my initial lump sum that the govt would pay but what are the other penalties if any of doing this?

 

[LDFerguson]

The only two situations where you can take out money from a pension arrangement prior to retirement are (a) where you're in an Occupational Pension Scheme and are leaving the scheme with under two years' service or (b) where you can prove to Revenue that you are in serious ill health (i.e. unlikely to work again).

If neither of the above apply to you, you cannot withdraw monies from your pension.

 

[Buckiefc]

Thank you