There are a number of financial offers and benefits available to ASTI members:
- Additional Voluntary Contributions
- Benevolent Fund
- Car Insurance Scheme
- Health Insurance Comparison Service
- Mortgage Advice for ASTI Members
- Tax Return Service
- Home Insurance
- Travel Insurance
- Political Fund
- ASTI Salary Protection Scheme
- Sickness Benefit Scheme
- Study Grants
- VHI Scheme
- Visa Card
- Financial Planning Service
- Retirement Planning Service
- ASTI / Cornmarket Rewards for new members
Additional Voluntary Contributions
Cornmarket is responsible for the design, marketing and administration of the ASTI Additional Voluntary Contribution (AVC) Scheme.
ASTI Additional Voluntary Contribution (AVC) Scheme
What if you could save €100 into your account, but the real cost to you was €60?*
An AVC allows you to save extra money for retirement with an added boost from tax relief. This investment can be useful if you want to retire early, if you won’t have a full 40 years’ service or if you need more money to ensure you’re on course to live your best life in retirement!
Call (01) 420 6794 or visit cornmarket.ie/avc.
Warning: The value of your investment may go down as well as up.
Warning: If you invest in this product you will not have any access to your money until you receive your Superannuation Benefits.
*Assuming 40% income tax relief on a gross contribution of €100.
Cornmarket Group Financial Services Ltd. is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. A member of the Irish Life Group Ltd. which is part of the Great-West Lifeco Group of companies. Telephone calls may be recorded for quality control and training purposes.
Irish Life Assurance plc. is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.
AVC annual report
ASTI members who are members of the ASTI AVC (additional voluntary contributions) plan should note that, in accordance with pension scheme regulations, a copy of the latest annual report (January 2020) is available for examination by contacting the Honorary Treasurer, Pádraig Murphy, at ASTI Head Office, Tel: 01 604 0160, or email [email protected].
This is not an ASTI Scheme. The ASTI advises all members to seek full details on any financial scheme they may be considering.
Benevolent Fund
The ASTI operates a Benevolent Scheme and maintains a fund to finance it. The following are eligible for consideration as beneficiaries:
- Member who becomes totally incapacitated so that he/she is forced to retire from teaching
- Illness of member resulting in absence from work for 18 consecutive months
- Exceptional circumstances (determination at discretion of administrators of fund)
- Qualifying dependents of deceased members
A committee consisting of the President and Honorary Treasurer of the ASTI and three members elected annually by Annual Convention administers the scheme and fund. Payments of up to €10,000 may be made. For an application form, please contact Elaine McLoughlin on Tel: 01-6040184.
This is an internal ASTI Scheme.
Car Insurance Scheme
The Teachers’ Car Insurance Scheme is open to you and your partner.
With a range of cover levels and top-class benefits available, you can choose the right cover for your needs. The scheme rewards safer drivers and there are frequently special offers and discounts available!
Some policies come with:
- Bonus Protection
- Breakdown Assistance 24/7, 365 days of the year*
- Windscreen Cover
- Driving of other cars & much more!
For more information on benefits and offers, click here.
Call us now on (01) 470 8043 or click here to get a quote online.
The Teachers' Car Insurance Scheme is devised and administered by Cornmarket Group Financial Services Ltd. and is available through the following insurance providers; Allianz plc, Aviva Insurance Ireland DAC and RSA Insurance Ireland DAC. Allianz plc is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Aviva Insurance Ireland DAC, trading as Aviva, is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. RSA Insurance Ireland DAC is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland *Breakdown Assistance is provided by MAPFRE ASISTENCIA Agency Ireland. MAPFRE ASISTENCIA Compania Internacional De Seguros Y Reaseguros, S.A., trading as MAPFRE ASSISTANCE Agency Ireland, is authorised by Direccion General de Seguros y Fondos de Pensiones del Ministerio de Economia y Hacienda in Spain and is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland for conduct of business rules.
Cornmarket Group Financial Services Ltd is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.
Telephone calls may be recorded for quality control and training purposes.
This is not an ASTI Scheme. The ASTI advises all members to seek full details on any financial scheme they may be considering.
Health Insurance Comparison Service
With over 325 health insurance plans on the market across the three health insurers, comparing your cover can be a stressful and time consuming process. Cornmarket’s Health Insurance Comparison Service does all the hard work for you, comparing all health insurance plans on the market to help you choose the plan that suits you.
The service fee for a full health insurance review is €60 for an individual and €72 for a family.
Call (01) 408 6210 or visit cornmarket.ie/health-insurance.
Cornmarket Group Financial Services Ltd. is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. A member of the Irish Life Group Ltd. which is part of the Great-West Lifeco Group of companies. Telephone calls may be recorded for quality control and training purposes.
This is not an ASTI Scheme. The ASTI advises all members to seek full details on any financial scheme they may be considering.
Mortgage Advice for ASTI Members
Tailored, impartial mortgage advice for ASTI Members. With one application Cornmarket can apply to all mortgage providers it works with. Cornmarket specialises in mortgages for public sector employees and are with you every step of the way on your mortgage journey from preparing your application to getting your keys.
The broker fee is €299 and is only payable at drawdown.
Call (01) 420 6781 or visit cornmarket.ie/mortgages.
Warning: If you do not keep up your repayments you may lose your home.
Warning: If you do not meet the repayments on your loan, your account will go into arrears. This may affect your credit rating, which may limit your ability to access credit in the future.
Cornmarket Group Financial Services Ltd. is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. A member of the Irish Life Group Ltd. which is part of the Great-West Lifeco Group of companies. Telephone calls may be recorded for quality control and training purposes.
This is not an ASTI Scheme. The ASTI advises all members to seek full details on any financial scheme they may be considering.
Tax Return Service
The Cornmarket Tax Return Service is a seamless, hassle-free service that gives you peace of mind knowing everything’s handled by experts. A team will complete your tax return on your behalf, ensuring you’re tax compliant and find out if you are due a refund.
This is a subscription service with different plans available to choose from. For more information visit cornmarket.ie/tax-return-service or call (01) 408 6261.
Cornmarket Group Financial Services Ltd. is a member of the Irish Life Group Ltd. which is part of the Great-West Lifeco Group of companies. Cornmarket’s Tax Return Service is not a regulated financial product. Telephone calls may be recorded for quality control and training purposes.
This is not an ASTI Scheme. The ASTI advises all members to seek full details on any financial scheme they may be considering.
Home Insurance
Your home is your most valuable asset. You need to know it’s in safe hands. Cornmarket will find the best cover for your needs at the best price for you.
You'll also enjoy these great benefits:
- Nationwide emergency home rescue service, 24 hours, 365 days a year*
- Cover for personal money up to €650 and credit cards up to €2,000 if stolen from the home
- Accidental damage cover for buildings & contents (optional)
- Fire Brigade charges up to €3,500
- Unspecified all risks cover (optional)
For more information on benefits and offers, click here.
Call us now on (01) 408 4004 or click here to get a quote online.
*Home Rescue underwritten and administered by MAPFRE ASISTENCIA Agency Ireland. MAPFRE ASISTENCIA Compania De Seguros Y Reaseguros, S.A., trading as MAPFRE ASSISTANCE Agency Ireland, is authorised by Direccion General de Seguros y Fondos de Pensiones del Ministerio de Economia y Hacienda, Spain, and is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland for conduct of business rules. Allianz plc is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Aviva Insurance Ireland Designated Activity Company, trading as Aviva, is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. A private company limited by shares. Aviva Insurance Ireland Limited, Cherrywood Business Park, Dublin, D18 W2P5.
Cornmarket Group Financial Services Ltd is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.
Telephone calls may be recorded for quality control and training purposes.
This is not an ASTI Scheme. The ASTI advises all members to seek full details on any financial scheme they may be considering.
Travel Insurance
Howden Ireland provide comprehensive travel insurance to ASTI members, ensuring piece of mind whether it’s a single or multi-tip.
Premiums for ASTI members for worldwide multi-trip cover for an individual are €65, for couples are €81, and for families starting are €121. However, if you have approved private medical insurance, these premiums will each reduce by 30%.
What’s covered?
- Medical cover up to €10 million*
- Trip cancellation up to €5,000*
- 24/7 assistance*
- Baggage protection up to €2,000*
Excusive benefits for ASTI members:
- Cover available up to 79 years of age
- Over 50 Sport and Activities free of charge
- Winter Sports & Scuba Diving included free of charge
- 30% discount if you have Private Medical Health Insurance
Simply click here to quote and buy your travel policy in just a few simple steps.
*Terms & conditions apply. For more information on our travel insurance benefits click here or call 019131077.
This is not an ASTI Scheme. The ASTI advises all members to seek full details on any financial scheme they may be considering.
Political Fund
The ASTI operates a political fund. ASTI members who are duly nominated candidates for An tOireachtas, the Governing Bodies and Senates of the Universities or membership of the Assembly of the European Communities may apply to the Fund. The amount of any grant shall be decided by the Standing Committee. Donations from the Political Fund are subject to the Electoral (Amendment) Acts and Guidelines for the General Election to the 32nd Dail, 2016, published by the Standards in Public Office Commission.
Queries to Head Office regarding the Fund should be addressed to the ASTI General Secretary, Thomas MacDonagh House, Winetavern Street, Dublin 8.
This is an internal ASTI Scheme.
ASTI Salary Protection Scheme
Salary Protection is designed to provide you with a replacement income* if you’re ill or injured, and can’t work**. It helps give financial security and peace of mind, so you can focus on your health.
Benefits include:
• Up to 75% of your salary*
• Life Cover Benefit of typically twice your annual salary
• A once-off lump sum if you are diagnosed with one of the Specified Illnesses covered***
For further information on all of the benefits in the ASTI Salary Protection Scheme, please click the link below or call (01) 470 8070 or go to cornmarket.ie/asti.
*Up to 75% less any other income to which you may be entitled e.g. half pay, Ill Health Early Retirement Pension, Temporary Rehabilitation Remuneration, State Illness or Invalidity Benefit.
**Subject to a claim being admitted. Terms, conditions and exclusions apply.
***To be eligible to claim for one of the Specified Illnesses covered, you must meet the criteria of that illness as defined in the plan booklet.
Cornmarket Group Financial Services Ltd. is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. A member of the Irish Life Group Ltd. which is part of the Great-West Lifeco Group of companies. Telephone calls may be recorded for quality control and training purposes.
This scheme is underwritten by New Ireland. New Ireland Assurance Company plc is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. A member of Bank of Ireland Group.
This is not an ASTI Scheme. The ASTI advises all members to seek full details on any financial scheme they may be considering.
Sickness Benefit Scheme
The ASTI operates a Sickness Benefit Scheme and maintains a fund to finance it. The scheme is administered by a committee of seven members appointed by Convention and directly responsible to Convention. All members of the Association are automatically members of the Sickness Benefit Scheme. Members may claim benefit under this scheme in respect of (a) illness (b) optical and dental treatment, and hearing aids prescribed for the member by a qualified medical practitioner.
(a) Illness:
Payment will be made in respect of illness entailing seven consecutive days absence from school or more, unless the illness occurs during official holidays. Saturday and Sunday may be included in reckoning these seven days. In the case of illness of a member resulting in death, an application for sickness benefit on account of that illness may be considered from the next-of-kin of the member and dealt with at the discretion of the Sickness Benefit Fund Committee.
The Sickness Benefit Scheme does not cover:
(i) Illness occurring within 24 calendar months of first entry in the scheme or subsequent re-entry.
(ii) Accidents or illness resulting from accidents.
(iii) Maternity or pregnancy, or illness arising directly from maternity or pregnancy.
Benefit shall not be paid in respect of:
(i) The same type of illness recurring within a period of three years.
(ii) Expenses recoverable from any other agency such as VHI, BUPA, Social Welfare, etc.
In the case of illness, the maximum benefit shall be an amount equal to the annual ASTI membership subscription plus €50 in any calendar year.
(b) Optical and Dental Treatment, and Hearing Aids:
The benefit payable in respect of expenses for optical and dental treatment and hearing aids prescribed for the member by a qualified medical practitioner is subject to a maximum of €200 (as of 13th April, 2023) in a five year period. Receipts must be for €215 or more to obtain the maximum of €200. No claim for less than €15 will be considered.
How to Claim:
All applications for benefit must be made on the official form that may also be obtained from the School Steward or from Head Office. Photocopied receipts (please do not send originals) from the appropriate medical authority or qualified practitioner must accompany the application for benefit. Claims for benefit must be submitted to ASTI Head Office within six calendar months of termination of illness or treatment.
This is an internal ASTI Scheme.
Study Grants
ASTI offers a grant of up to a maximum of €1,000 for members pursuing certain diploma, certificate or degree courses in trade union studies. Courses being undertaken must have recognised accreditation. Requests for grants for trade union studies should be addressed to ASTI General Secretary, Thomas MacDonagh House, Winetavern Street, Dublin 8.
This is an internal ASTI Scheme.
VHI Scheme
The ASTI has arranged a VHI Healthcare group scheme on behalf of its members. The scheme offers members:
- Hassle free payment with salary deduction.
- Assist from VHI Healthcare – an emergency service in cases of unexpected illness or accident while overseas.
-
Vhi 360 Health Centres provides Vhi members with rapid access to urgent care services for minor injury and illness.
For full details contact the VHI at 056 444 4444 or find more information here. Please quote ASTI Group Scheme Number 514.
This is not an ASTI Scheme. The ASTI advises all members to seek full details on any financial scheme they may be considering.
Visa Card
ASTI AIB Affinity Visa Card
About the card
The ASTI has partnered with AIB to offer you an affinity credit card with a reduced rate, issued exclusively to ASTI members and staff.
Benefits to you:
- Up to 56 days interest-free credit
- Special introductory annual interest on purchases & Balance Transfers*
- Cash advance facility
- 24/7 customer service for lost, stolen or misused cards
- Non-AIB customers can apply for an ASTI Credit Card
- No annual bank fee**
- Share the benefits with a second card ***
* Rates applicable for the first 12 months from account opening date. After 12 months the interest rate reverts to the monthly rate for purchases applicable to the product at that time.
** Please note all accounts will be charged an annual government stamp duty of €30.
*** You can nominate an additional cardholder who is a family member ( defined as a parent, spouse, partner, sibling or child over 16 years) who normally resides at your address on your ASTI Visa Credit Card Account for free. You'll have all the convenience of two cards with the peace of mind of a single bill.
Application procedure
If you would like to apply for an ASTI AIB Visa Card please contact (01) 6685500 or email [email protected].
FAQs
- Who can apply for the ASTI Credit Card? Members, staff and friends of the organisation may apply for the ASTI AIB Affinity Visa Card. Please note applicants must be over 18 years of age. Terms and conditions apply.
- Can I apply for the ASTI Credit Card if I don't bank with AIB? Yes you can. Along, with a completed and signed application form, please also bring photographic ID and two original Utility Bills into any AIB Branch where and AIB Staff member will sight the originals and copy them for you.
- I don't live in Ireland; can I still apply for the ASTI Card? As long as you hold an active Irish Bank account, you can apply for this card where ever in the world you are based.
- How can I make the application procedure easier? In order to make the application procedure easier, don't forget the following:
- Completed Application Form
- If you are NOT already an AIB Account Holder, please understand that to comply with the Criminal Justice Act 1994, AIB is obliged to establish your identity (Passport or Drivers Licence) and permanent address (a household bill or recent bank statement) before you open an account.
Terms and conditions apply. Credit facilities are subject to repayment capacity and financial status and are not available to persons under 18 years of age. Government stamp duty of €30 is charged annually. Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c. is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.
This is not an ASTI Scheme. The ASTI advises all members to seek full details on any financial scheme they may be considering.
Financial Planning Service
- Cornmarket's financial planning service offers complimentary financial advice to you and your needs.
- Consultations are easy to book in and can be held via Microsoft Teams, in person or over the phone.
- Your consultanst can review your money, your needs and your goals to create a comprehensive financial plan.
- 95% of clients found the service to be 'excellent' or 'very good'.
- To book an appointment, call 01 408 4025
This is not an ASTI Scheme. The ASTI advises all members to seek full details on any financial scheme they may be considering.
Retirement Planning Service
- Cornmarket's retirement planning service offers complimentary financial advice as you navigate this milestone.
- Consultations are easy to book in and can be held via Microsoft Teams, in person or over the phone.
- Your consultant can talk to you about AVCs, your superannuation benefits and changest to tax in retirement, while creating a comprehensive financial plan.
- 95% of clients found the service to be 'excellent' or 'very good'.
- To book an appointment, call 01 408 4058.
This is not an ASTI Scheme. The ASTI advises all members to seek full details on any financial scheme they may be considering.
ASTI Rewards for new members
The ASTI /Cornmarket Rewards* programme offers new ASTI members a range of financial benefits,** including:
- 12 months’ free access to MyDoc***, a service that provides access to a GP via video and phone consultation,
- a collection of discounts on financial products and services administered by Cornmarket,
- access to exclusive competitions, and webinars on topics to support financial and personal well-being,
- a free mortgage advice service, and
- a free one-to-one financial health check – including what’s in your payslip.
To access the Rewards programme, when applying to join the ASTI, teachers will need to tick the opt-in box for Rewards on the ASTI application form.
What happens then?
If you tick the opt-in box for Rewards:
- Once your ASTI membership is ratified, we will send your details to Cornmarket to set up your membership to Rewards.
- Once Cornmarket has processed your application and set up your offers, you’ll receive a ‘Welcome to Rewards’ email from Cornmarket with all the information you need.
- You can then start using your Rewards benefits straight away.
Another reason to join the ASTI!
ASTI Rewards is just one of many reasons why new teachers should join the ASTI. Rewards is designed to save new members money and provide them with financial guidance in the first years of their teaching career.
To find out more about Rewards, visit: https://www.Cornmarket.ie/rewards
For information on the benefits of ASTI membership, visit: https://www.asti.ie/join/
*You can access Rewards membership terms by visiting www.cornmarket.ie/rewards-club-terms
**Rewards benefits are effective from the date a new member receives a `Welcome to Rewards’ email from Cornmarket. Cornmarket will contact you with information on how to redeem each benefit. Rewards benefits are subject to change and are only available through certain schemes administered by Cornmarket.
***New Rewards members will be issued their MyDoc pin, contact numbers and MyDoc web app link in their ‘Welcome to Rewards’ email. You will have 12 months of free access to MyDoc starting on the date you receive your ‘Welcome to Rewards’ email from Cornmarket. MyDoc is provided by HealthHero, and distributed by Cornmarket. Terms and conditions regarding the MyDoc service can be found on www.healthhero.com/terms-and-conditions.
Cornmarket Group Financial Services Ltd is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. It is a member of the Irish Life Group Ltd, which is part of the Great-West Lifeco Group of companies
