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Product | Past 5-year return 6.73% | Admin fee $65 | Company ![]() | Calc fees on 50k $505 | Features Advisory services Death insurance Income protection Online access Term deposits Variety of options | SuperRatings awards ![]() | Go to site | More details |
Past 5-year return 5.10% | Admin fee $92 | Company ![]() | Calc fees on 50k $587 | Features Advisory services Death insurance Income protection Online access Term deposits Variety of options | SuperRatings awards ![]() | Go to site | More details | |
Product | Past 5-year return 6.16% | Admin fee $78 | Company ![]() | Calc fees on 50k $613 | Features Advisory services Death insurance Income protection Online access Term deposits Variety of options | SuperRatings awards ![]() ![]() | Go to site | More details |
Past 5-year return 7.61% | Admin fee $138 | Company ![]() | Calc fees on 50k $408 | Features Advisory services Death insurance Income protection Online access Term deposits Variety of options | SuperRatings awards ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | Go to site | More details | |
Product | Past 5-year return 6.48% | Admin fee $52 | Company ![]() | Calc fees on 50k $482 | Features Advisory services Death insurance Income protection Online access Term deposits Variety of options | SuperRatings awards ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | Go to site | More details |
Product | Past 5-year return 6.86% | Admin fee $78 | Company ![]() | Calc fees on 50k $543 | Features Advisory services Death insurance Income protection Online access Term deposits Variety of options | SuperRatings awards ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | Go to site | More details |
Product | Past 5-year return 6.97% | Admin fee $0 | Company ![]() | Calc fees on 50k $545 | Features Advisory services Death insurance Income protection Online access Term deposits Variety of options | SuperRatings awards ![]() ![]() | Go to site | More details |
Product | Past 5-year return New | Admin fee $78 | Company ![]() | Calc fees on 50k $208 | Features Advisory services Death insurance Income protection Online access Term deposits Variety of options | SuperRatings awards ![]() ![]() ![]() | Go to site | More details |






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Superannuation is designed to be difficult to access, but there are circumstances where you may want to dip into your balance early.
If you have severe debt from credit cards which is impacting your ability to meet day-to-day living expenses, in some cases super funds can be used to meet repayments. This is by no means a simple solution however, and one that should be undertaken with upmost caution.
We’re going to look at superannuation can be used to help meet debt from your credit cards in extreme situations, and why you should be wary before undertaking this process.
When can I access my super?
In most cases, you are not able to access your super until you’ve reached your preservation age, which is determined by the year you were born. Once you’ve reached the preservation age, you can access your superannuation provided you meet the following criteria:
- You have retired – If you have permanently retired and met the superannuation perseveration age, you’re legally allowed to access your super funds.
- You’re semi-retired – If you’re working part-time, it’s possible to access part of your super through a transition-to-retirement pension offered by some funds.
When can I access my super early?
In some cases, you might wish to access part of your super before you have reached the superannuation perseveration age and met the eligibility criteria. These might include:
- Financial hardship – If financial issues, like credit card debt, are still hindering your ability to meet immediate living expenses, after receiving commonwealth benefits.
- Compassionate grounds – For medical treatments and serious illnesses.
- Incapacity – In cases when superannuation account owners are suffering permanent or temporary incapacity and are still required to meet treatment obligations.
What are the risks of accessing your super early?
As with any big financial decision, there are big risks associated with accessing your super early to solve fiscal issues like addressing the debt accumulated by your credit cards:
- You will have less super available for retirement – Drawing from your super balance to address issues like credit card debt is a short-term solution that could cause long-term problems. Not only will you have less super available for your retirement, but you will also have a smaller balance to address any future financial issues you might have to face.
- Funds released prior to retirement are taxed higher – Part of the incentive of having your retirement funds in a super account is to take advantage of the generous tax incentives. If you release your funds prior to retirement to address a financial hardship like credit card debt, then these funds will potentially be taxed at a significantly higher rate.
- Additional fees and charges – Dipping into your funds early isn’t free. Superannuation funds often slug customers with additional service fees and other costs when they’re requested to make funds available early.
- It might not cover your debt – If the early release of your super doesn’t cover your debt, you could be in serious trouble. You should always consider all of your options before drawing on your super balance early to meet financial concerns like credit card debt.
Nick Bendel
Property Personal Finance Writer
A property and personal finance writer, Nick Bendel covers property, loans, credit cards, superannuation, and other bank products. Nick has previously written for The Adviser, Mortgage Business, Lifehacker, Business Insider, Yahoo Finance, and InvestorDaily, and loves getting elbow-deep in the latest ABS, APRA and RBA data.
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Frequently asked questions
What is a superannuation fund?
A superannuation fund is an institution that is legally allowed to hold and invest your superannuation. There are more than 200 different superannuation funds in Australia. They come in five different types:
- Retail funds
- Industry funds
- Public sector funds
- Corporate funds
- Self-managed super funds
Retail funds are usually run by banks or investment companies.
Industry funds were originally designed for workers from a particular industry, but are now open to anyone.
Public sector funds were originally designed for people working for federal or state government departments. Most are still reserved for government employees.
Corporate funds are arranged by employers for their employees.
Self-managed super funds are private superannuation funds that allow people to directly invest their money.
How many superannuation funds are there?
There are more than 200 different superannuation funds.
What are my superannuation obligations if I'm an employer?
Employers are required to pay superannuation to all their staff if the staff are:
- Over 18 and earn more than $450 before tax in a calendar month
- Under 18, work more than 30 hours per week and earn more than $450 before tax in a calendar month
This applies even if the staff are casual employees, part-time employees, contractors (provided the contract is mainly for their labour) or temporary residents.
How much is superannuation in Australia?
Superannuation in Australia is currently 9.5 per cent – which means that your employer must pay you superannuation equivalent to 9.5 per cent of your salary.
The ‘superannuation guarantee’, as it is known, has been at 9.5 per cent since the 2014-15 financial year. It is scheduled to rise to 10.0 per cent in 2021-22, 10.5 per cent in 2022-23, 11.0 per cent in 2023-24, 11.5 per cent in 2024-25 and 12.0 per cent in 2025-26.
Who can open a superannuation account?
Superannuation accounts can be opened by Australians, permanent residents and temporary residents. You’re automatically entitled to superannuation if:
- You’re over 18 and earn more than $450 before tax in a calendar month
- You’re under 18, you work more than 30 hours per week and you earn more than $450 before tax in a calendar month
How do I change my superannuation fund?
Changing superannuation funds is a common and straightforward process. You can do it through your MyGov account or by filling out a rollover form and sending it to your new fund. You’ll also have to provide proof of identity.
What is the age pension's income test?
These are the rules for most people who want to claim the standard pension:
Single people
- If your income per fortnight is up to $168, you’re entitled to a full pension
- If your income per fortnight is over $168, your pension will reduce by 50 cents for each dollar over $168
Couples
- If your income per fortnight is up to $300, you’re entitled to a full pension
- If your income per fortnight is over $300, your pension will reduce by 50 cents for each dollar over $300
These are the rules for most people who want to claim the transitional pension:
Single people
- If your income per fortnight is up to $168, you’re entitled to a full pension
- If your income per fortnight is over $168, your pension will reduce by 40 cents for each dollar over $168
Couples
- If your income per fortnight is up to $300, you’re entitled to a full pension
- If your income per fortnight is over $300, your pension will reduce by 40 cents for each dollar over $300
For most people, the age pension cuts off if your fortnightly income exceeds these thresholds:
Category | Fortnightly income |
---|---|
Standard pension for singles | $1,944.60 |
Standard pension for couples living together | $2,978.40 |
Standard pension for couples living apart due to ill health | $3,853.20 |
Transitional pension for singles | $2,038.00 |
Transitional pension for couples living together | $3,317.00 |
Transitional pension for couples living apart due to ill health | $4,040.00 |
What should I know before getting an SMSF?
Four questions to ask yourself before taking out an SMSF include:
- Do I have enough superannuation to justify the higher set-up and running costs?
- Am I able to handle complicated compliance obligations?
- Am I willing to spend lots of time researching investment options?
- Do I have the skill to make big financial decisions?
It’s also worth remembering that ordinary superannuation funds usually offer discounted life insurance and disability insurance. These discounts would no longer be available if you decided to manage your own super.
What is superannuation?
Superannuation is money set aside for your retirement. This money is automatically paid into your superannuation fund by your employer.
Do I have to pay myself superannuation if I'm self-employed?
No, self-employed workers don’t have to pay themselves superannuation. However, if you do pay yourself superannuation, you will probably be able to claim a tax deduction.
Is superannuation included in taxable income?
Superannuation is not included when calculating your income tax. So if you have a salary of $50,000, your assessable income would be $50,000, not $50,000 plus superannuation.
That said, superannuation itself is taxed. It is generally taxed at 15 per cent, although if you earn less than $37,000, you will be reimbursed up to $500 of the tax you paid.
How do you open a superannuation account?
Opening a superannuation account is simple. When you start a job, your employer will give you what’s called a ‘superannuation standard choice form’. Here’s what you need to complete the form:
- The name of your preferred superannuation fund
- The fund’s address
- The fund’s Australian business number (ABN)
- The fund’s superannuation product identification number (SPIN)
- The fund’s phone number
- A letter from the fund trustee confirming that the fund is a complying fund; or written evidence from the fund stating it will accept contributions from your new employer; or details about how your employer can make contributions to the fund
You might want to provide your tax file number as well – while it’s not a legal obligation, it will ensure your contributions will be taxed at the (lower) superannuation rate.
How do you access superannuation?
Accessing your superannuation is a simple administrative procedure – you just ask your fund to pay it. You can access your superannuation in three different ways:
- Lump sum
- Account-based pension
- Part lump sum and part account-based pension
However, please note that your superannuation fund will only be able to make a payout if you meet the ‘conditions of release’. The conditions of release say you can claim your super when you reach:
- Age 65
- Your ‘preservation age’ and retire
- Your preservation age and begin a ‘transition to retirement’ while still working
The preservation age has six different categories:
Date of birth | Preservation age |
---|---|
Before 1 July 1960 | 55 |
1 July 1960 – 30 June 1961 | 56 |
1 July 1961 – 30 June 1962 | 57 |
1 July 1962 – 30 June 1963 | 58 |
1 July 1963 – 30 June 1964 | 59 |
From 1 July 1964 | 60 |
There are also seven special circumstances under which you can claim your superannuation:
- Compassionate grounds
- Severe financial hardship
- Temporary incapacity
- Permanent incapacity
- Superannuation inheritance
- Superannuation balance under $200
- Temporary resident departing Australia
Is superannuation taxed?
Superannuation is taxed. It is generally taxed at 15 per cent. However, if you earn less than $37,000, you will be automatically reimbursed up to $500 of the tax you paid. Also, if your income plus concessional superannuation contributions exceed $250,000, you will also be charged Division 293 tax. This is an extra 15 per cent tax on your concessional contributions or the amount above $250,000 – whichever is lesser.
How can I keep track of my superannuation?
Most funds will allow you to access your superannuation account online. Another option is to manage your superannuation through myGov, which is a government portal through which you can access a range of services, including Medicare, Centrelink, aged care and child support.
Is superannuation compulsory?
Superannuation is compulsory. Generally speaking, it can’t be touched until you’re at least 55 years old.
Is superannuation paid on overtime?
As the Australian Taxation Office explains, there are times when superannuation is paid on overtime and times when it isn’t.
Here is the ATO’s summary:
Payment type | Is superannuation paid? |
---|---|
Overtime hours – award stipulates ordinary hours to be worked and employee works additional hours for which they are paid overtime rates | No |
Overtime hours – agreement prevails over award | No |
Agreement supplanting award removes distinction between ordinary hours and other hours | Yes – all hours worked |
No ordinary hours of work stipulated | Yes – all hours worked |
Casual employee: shift loadings | Yes |
Casual employee: overtime payments | No |
Casual employee whose hours are paid at overtime rates due to a ‘bandwidth’ clause | No |
Piece-rates – no ordinary hours of work stipulated | Yes |
Overtime component of earnings based on hourly-driving-rate method stipulated in award | No |
How do you calculate superannuation from a total package?
Superannuation is calculated at the rate of 9.5 per cent of your ‘ordinary-time earnings’. (For most people, ordinary-time earnings are their gross annual salary or wages.) So if you had a salary of $50,000, your superannuation would be 9.5 per cent of that, or $4,750. This would be paid on top of your salary.
As the Australian Taxation Office explains, some items are excluded from ordinary-time earnings. They include:
- Overtime work paid at overtime rates
- Expense allowances that are fully expended
- Expenses that are reimbursed
- Unfair dismissal payments
- Workers’ compensation payments
- Parental leave
- Jury duty
- Defence reserve service
- Unused annual leave when employment is terminated
- Unused long service leave when employment is terminated
- Unused sick leave when employment is terminated
Although the superannuation guarantee is currently at 9.5 per cent, it is scheduled to rise to 10.0 per cent in 2021-22, 10.5 per cent in 2022-23, 11.0 per cent in 2023-24, 11.5 per cent in 2024-25 and 12.0 per cent in 2025-26.
What will the superannuation fund do with my money?
Your money will be invested in an investment option of your choosing.
What happens if my employer falls behind on my superannuation payments?
The Australian Taxation Office will investigate if your employer falls behind on your superannuation payments or doesn’t pay at all. You can report your employer with this online tool.