Can You Work After 70 in Ireland? Navigating Your Rights and Options

While many believe retirement is mandatory at a certain age, recent legislative changes confirm that is not the case. Your eligibility and desire to continue your career after age 70 in Ireland are supported by law, though require a careful understanding of your rights and financial implications.

Quick Summary

Yes, you can work past age 70 in Ireland as no compulsory retirement age exists in general employment law, though it is crucial to understand your contractual terms, how continued work impacts your state and private pensions, and the legal protections against age discrimination.

Key Points

• Legal Right to Work: There is no compulsory retirement age under Irish law for most workers, with legal protections against age discrimination applying to all over 16.

• Contractual Retirement Ages: While some contracts specify a retirement age, it must be objectively justified by a legitimate aim. Recent legislation (2025) allows employees to work until at least the State Pension age (66) without consent for earlier retirement.

• Pension and PRSI Considerations: You can defer your State Pension (Contributory) until age 70 for higher payments. You also stop paying PRSI contributions at age 70.

• Benefits for Over 70s: All residents over 70 qualify for the Household Benefits Package (HBP), which is not means-tested and provides assistance with energy and TV license costs.

• Discussing Longer Working: If your contract has a retirement age, you should formally request to work longer at least three months beforehand, referring to the WRC Code of Practice on Longer Working.

• Flexibility and New Avenues: Options like part-time, flexible working, and self-employment are available and provide opportunities to balance continued work with leisure.

Understanding the Legal Landscape for Older Workers

Ireland's employment law does not enforce a single, mandatory retirement age for all workers. This crucial fact means that reaching 70 doesn't automatically require you to stop working. The landscape is shaped by a mix of employment legislation, company policies, and recent legal advancements designed to support a maturing workforce.

The foundation of this protection lies in the Employment Equality Acts 1998-2015, which prohibits discrimination on various grounds, including age, for individuals aged 16 and over. An employer cannot treat you less favourably based on your age regarding access to employment, training, promotion, or conditions of employment. While employers can enforce a mandatory retirement age, it must be objectively and reasonably justified by a legitimate business aim, such as health and safety, succession planning, or intergenerational fairness.

The Impact of the Employment (Contractual Retirement Ages) Bill 2025

This key piece of upcoming legislation marks a significant shift, especially for those with contractual retirement ages set below the State Pension age. The Bill aims to align contractual retirement ages with the State Pension age, which is currently 66. Once enacted, it will allow employees who have a lower contractual retirement age to notify their employer of their intention to stay on until at least the State Pension age, provided they do not consent to retire earlier. This introduces greater flexibility and strengthens the position of older workers who wish to continue their careers.

Practicalities of Working Over 70

For those working past 70, several financial and administrative considerations come into play that differ from earlier career stages. Being aware of these can help you plan effectively for your extended working life.

Pensions and Social Welfare

• State Pension (Contributory): You can claim your State Pension from age 66. Crucially, if you choose to work longer, you can defer your State Pension claim until as late as age 70. By deferring, you can potentially receive a higher weekly payment for the rest of your life.
• PRSI Contributions: Once you turn 70, you are no longer required to pay Pay Related Social Insurance (PRSI) contributions. However, if you are employed, your employer will still pay a small Class J contribution, which covers you for occupational injuries.
• Taxation: Your State Pension is taxable income. If you continue to work, your employment income is also taxable. While tax credits can offset some of this, it's wise to plan for how your combined income will be taxed. There are specific tax exemption limits and credits for people over 65.
• Household Benefits Package: Everyone aged over 70 living in Ireland qualifies for the Household Benefits Package (HBP), which provides help with electricity, gas, and a free TV licence. This is not means-tested for those over 70, regardless of whether you are working or receiving a State Pension.

Employment Conditions

• Flexible Working: Many employers, recognising the value of experienced staff, may be open to flexible arrangements, such as reduced hours or hybrid working. It's often worth discussing possibilities with your employer, especially using the WRC's Code of Practice on Longer Working as a guide for discussions.
• Part-Time Work and Self-Employment: If you wish to transition away from your current role, there are plentiful opportunities for part-time work or self-employment, allowing you to control your own schedule and workload.

Comparison: Retiring at 65 vs. Working Past 70

Aspect	Retiring at Contractual Age (e.g., 65)	Working Past Age 70
State Pension	Payable from age 66, at the standard rate.	Can be deferred until age 70, potentially receiving a higher rate.
Employment Income	Ends upon retirement.	Continues, but is subject to income tax alongside your State Pension.
PRSI Contributions	Cease upon retirement.	You stop paying PRSI at age 70. Your employer pays a minimal Class J contribution.
Legal Protection	Protected from unfair dismissal related to retirement based on a justified contractual retirement age.	Fully protected by the Employment Equality Acts against age discrimination.
Workplace Benefits	Retain pension rights from previous employment.	May continue accessing or accrue benefits, depending on the scheme (private sector schemes vary after 65).
Flexibility	Full freedom from employment commitments.	Potential for flexible or part-time work arrangements, either with your existing employer or new opportunities.
Health & Wellbeing	Focus on leisure and health.	Maintaining a working routine can provide mental stimulation and social engagement.

What to Discuss with Your Employer

If you want to continue working, it is best to start discussions with your employer well in advance. The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) has a Code of Practice on Longer Working, which provides a framework for these conversations.

Your request to work longer should be made in writing at least three months before your intended retirement date. This provides a formal basis for the process and allows your employer sufficient time to consider the request. An employer must handle these requests thoughtfully and based on clear, objective criteria. If the request is denied, you have the right to appeal.

Exploring New Career Avenues

Working past 70 is not limited to your current employment. Many seniors in Ireland find satisfaction and financial benefit by pivoting to new roles or becoming self-employed.

Examples of work options:

1. Consulting: Leveraging your decades of experience to provide expert advice on a flexible, project-by-project basis.
2. Part-time Roles: Exploring part-time positions in retail, administration, or hospitality, which often offer flexible hours.
3. Mentoring: Serving as a mentor for younger staff, either within your current organisation or in a new capacity.
4. Self-Employment: Starting a small business, such as crafting, gardening, or offering personal services.
5. Freelancing: Utilizing skills like writing, accountancy, or IT on a freelance basis, allowing you to work from home.

Conclusion: Your Career, Your Choice

Working past 70 in Ireland is a feasible and increasingly common path. The legal framework provides protection against age discrimination, and recent legislation seeks to give employees more say over their retirement timing. By carefully planning for the financial implications concerning your State Pension, tax, and social welfare entitlements, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your lifestyle and financial goals. Open communication with your employer is key to a smooth transition, whether continuing in your current role or exploring new opportunities in your later years. For comprehensive guidance on retirement and older working, the Irish government's Citizens Information website is an excellent starting point: Working in retirement - Citizens Information.

Planning for a fulfilling later career

It is essential to consider the non-financial aspects of working longer. Many find that continued employment offers significant benefits beyond income. It can provide a sense of purpose, maintain social connections, and keep the mind engaged. The structure of a working week can be a positive anchor in daily life, while part-time or flexible arrangements can offer the perfect balance between work and leisure.

Ultimately, your working life after 70 is a personal choice, and Ireland's evolving legal and social landscape is increasingly supportive of those who choose to remain active in the workforce. By being proactive and informed, you can forge a path that suits your individual needs and aspirations for a healthy and fulfilling life.

Resources for Planning

For more detailed information on specific topics, consider exploring the following resources:

• Citizens Information: Extensive articles on employment, pensions, and social welfare.
• The Pensions Authority: Provides guidance on occupational pension schemes.
• Workplace Relations Commission (WRC): Offers a Code of Practice on Longer Working to help with discussions regarding extending employment.

Key Financial Steps

1. Calculate your State Pension entitlements based on your PRSI contributions and potential deferral.
2. Review your private pension scheme rules, as they may differ regarding contributions past 65.
3. Factor in the cessation of PRSI payments after 70 when forecasting your net income.
4. Understand how continued earnings may impact any means-tested benefits (not the Household Benefits Package for over 70s).

By taking these steps, you can confidently make decisions about working after 70 in Ireland, ensuring a secure and satisfying next chapter of your life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Irish law force me to retire at age 70?

No, Irish employment law does not impose a mandatory retirement age for most occupations. The law protects workers from age discrimination, meaning you cannot be forced to retire based on age alone without objective justification.

Can my employer force me to retire at a specific age?

An employer can enforce a contractual retirement age if they can demonstrate it is objectively and reasonably justified by a legitimate business aim. However, new legislation is strengthening the rights of employees to work until at least the State Pension age (66).

How does working after 70 affect my State Pension?

You can continue working while receiving your State Pension from age 66. Alternatively, you can defer claiming it until age 70, which could entitle you to a higher payment rate.

Do I have to pay PRSI if I work past 70?

No, you do not have to pay PRSI contributions after you turn 70, even if you are employed or self-employed. Your employer, however, will pay a reduced 'Class J' contribution for occupational injuries.

Am I still protected by employment law when I am over 70?

Yes, older workers are protected by the Employment Equality Acts 1998-2015, which prohibits age discrimination in all aspects of employment. This covers hiring, terms of employment, and dismissal.

What if I want to work part-time after I retire?

You have the right to seek part-time or flexible employment after retirement. You can discuss options with your current employer or look for new opportunities, and your employment rights will be the same as any other part-time worker.

How do I request to work past my contractual retirement age?

You should make a written request to your employer at least three months before your intended retirement date. This should trigger a formal consultation process, as outlined by the WRC's Code of Practice on Longer Working.