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Auto-Enrolment Pension Calculator (My Future Fund)

Free tool · Ireland•Free · no sign-up•2026 rates · Updated 16 August 2026

PZak Carolan · The People's PocketFigures verified at source · free, no sign-up

Ireland's new auto-enrolment pension, My Future Fund, started on 1 January 2026 — and if you're an employee aged 23 to 60 earning over €20,000 without a workplace pension, you're in it automatically. This free calculator shows what it costs you, and how much your employer and the State add on top. It runs entirely on your device; nothing is saved.

Check your My Future Fund pension

About 20 seconds. Nothing is saved or shared — it all runs on your device.

Your age

Your gross salary (€ per year) Contributions are worked out on earnings up to €80,000.

Are you already in a workplace pension?

Estimate based on the published My Future Fund rates. Contribution rates step up every three years. Figures show contributions only — they don't include any investment growth.

What is My Future Fund?

My Future Fund is Ireland's new automatic-enrolment pension, which started on 1 January 2026. If you're an employee aged 23 to 60, earning over €20,000 a year, and you're not already in a workplace pension, you're enrolled automatically — you don't have to do anything. It's run by a State body, NAERSA.

The bit that matters: you're not doing this on your own. For every €3 you contribute, your employer adds €3 and the State adds €1. That's an immediate return you won't get anywhere else — and it's the whole reason opting out is usually a bad idea.

How much comes out of your pay

Contributions start low and step up every three years, so the hit to your take-home is gradual. They're based on your earnings up to a €80,000 cap.

Years	You / Employer / State
Years 1–3	1.5% / 1.5% / 0.5%
Years 4–6	3% / 3% / 1%
Years 7–9	4.5% / 4.5% / 1.5%
Year 10 onwards	6% / 6% / 2%

Can you opt out?

Yes — but not straight away, and it costs you. You can only opt out in months 6, 7 or 8 after you're enrolled. If you do, you get your own contributions back — but the employer and State money stays out of your pocket entirely. And you'll be automatically re-enrolled about two years later if you still qualify.

Not automatically enrolled? You can still opt in

If you're under 23, over 60, or earning under €20,000, you're not enrolled automatically — but you can ask to join. Your employer still has to pay their share, and the State still tops it up.

Already in a workplace pension? You stay in it. Existing pensions normally give you income-tax relief at your marginal rate (up to 40%), which for a higher-rate taxpayer can be worth more than the State's top-up. Don't drop a good scheme to join this one without advice.

Common questions

When did auto-enrolment start in Ireland?

My Future Fund began on 1 January 2026. Eligible employees are enrolled automatically by their employer through payroll — you don't need to apply.

Who gets automatically enrolled?

Employees aged 23 to 60, earning more than €20,000 a year, who are not already paying into a workplace pension. If you have several jobs, your combined earnings count.

How much does it cost me?

In the first three years it's 1.5% of your gross pay (on earnings up to €80,000). On a €40,000 salary that's about €600 a year, or €50 a month — and your employer and the State add another €800 on top.

Can I opt out of My Future Fund?

Only in months 6, 7 or 8 after being enrolled. You'd get your own contributions refunded, but not the employer or State contributions — and you'd be automatically re-enrolled roughly two years later.

Is it better than a normal pension?

Not necessarily. A regular workplace or personal pension gives income-tax relief at your marginal rate (up to 40%), which can beat the State's €1-for-€3 top-up if you're a higher-rate taxpayer. If you already have a good scheme, keep it.

Check the official sources

This is a free estimate to help you understand your options — not financial, tax or investment advice. Rules, rates and thresholds change. Always confirm with the official source before acting.

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