Frequently Asked Questions

This FAQ covers how the calculators work, what they do well, and where you should pause before using an estimate for a real financial decision.

Who is this website for?

It is built primarily for HSE staff and other Irish public sector workers who want quick planning estimates across pension, salary and retirement scenarios.

What pension schemes are covered?

The main calculator supports Single Scheme, Defined Benefit, Final Salary and Career Average style estimates. Separate pages give more context for each model.

Are these figures guaranteed?

No. They are modelling estimates only. Official pension statements, HR records, service history and scheme rules can all produce different outcomes.

Can I use the calculator on mobile?

Yes. The site is mobile-first, fast, and runs fully in the browser without sending the form data to a server.

Does the tax section replace payroll software?

No. The salary and tax tools are deliberately lightweight planning tools. They are useful for quick comparisons, not as payroll-grade calculations.

What if I have part-time service or complex service history?

Use the result with caution. Non-standard service history, transfers, career breaks and purchased service can change pension outcomes materially.

Why does the site include mortgage tools?

Retirement planning is tied closely to cash flow, housing costs and household debt. Mortgage tools help users see pension decisions in the wider financial picture.

Where should I start if I am planning retirement?

Use the main HSE Pension Calculator first, then move to the Retirement Savings, Pension Gap and Net Salary tools to test whether your expected retirement income looks sufficient.