John is taking a voluntary redundancy package from his employer. His average annual remuneration over the three years prior to the date of termination of employment is €90,000, and he has completed 17 years and 9 months service with his employer. He has no employer pension scheme benefits. What is John's Standard Capital Superannuation Benefit in respect of his ex-gratia termination payment?

• A. €23,165
• B. €33,165
• C. €102,000
• D. €153,000

Answer: (C)

Standard Capital Superannuation Benefit is the tax-free portion of an ex-gratia termination payment. It is calculated as twice the average remuneration over the last three years, but cannot exceed a statutory cap. Here, the average remuneration is €90,000, so twice that would be €180,000. The cap is €102,000, so the SCSB is €102,000. The absence of employer pension benefits doesn’t change this calculation, and length of service isn’t needed beyond determining eligibility.