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Learn more about superannuation
What is superannuation?
Superannuation is money set aside for your retirement. This money is automatically paid into your superannuation fund by your employer.
When did superannuation start in Australia?
Australia’s modern superannuation system – in which employers make compulsory contributions to their employees – started in 1992. However, before that, there were various restricted superannuation schemes applying to certain employees in certain industries. The very first superannuation scheme was introduced in the 19th century.
How is superannuation regulated?
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) regulates ordinary superannuation accounts. Self-managed superannuation funds (SMSFs) are regulated by the Australian Taxation Office.
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.
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 |
Can I take money out of my superannuation fund?
Superannuation is designed to provide Australians with money in their retirement. The government has strict rules around when people can take that money out of their fund because it wants to prevent people eroding their savings before they reach retirement.
As a general rule, you can only take money out of your superannuation fund when you reach:
- Age 65
- Your ‘preservation age’ and retire
- Your preservation age and begin a ‘transition to retirement’ while still working
That said, you can take money out of your superannuation fund early based on one of these seven special conditions:
- Compassionate grounds
- Severe financial hardship
- Temporary incapacity
- Permanent incapacity
- Superannuation inheritance
- Superannuation balance under $200
- Temporary resident departing Australia
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.
What is the superannuation rate?
The superannuation rate, or guarantee rate, is the percentage of your salary that your employer must pay into your superannuation fund. The superannuation guarantee has been set 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.
What are reportable superannuation contributions?
For employees, there are two types of reportable superannuation contributions:
- Reportable employer super contributions your employer makes for you
- Personal deductible contributions you make for yourself
What are concessional contributions?
Concessional contributions are pre-tax payments into your superannuation account. The payments made by your employer are concessional payments. You can also make concessional contributions with a salary sacrifice.
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.
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.
What is MySuper?
MySuper accounts are basic, low-fee accounts. If you don’t nominate a superannuation fund, your employer must choose one for you that offers a MySuper account.
MySuper accounts offer two investment options:
- Single diversified investment strategy
Your fund assigns you a risk strategy and investment profile, which remain unchanged throughout your working life.
- Lifecycle investment strategy
Your fund assigns you an investment strategy based on your age, and then changes it as you get older. Younger workers are given strategies that emphasise growth assets
Is superannuation paid on unused annual leave?
If your employment is terminated, superannuation will not be paid on unused annual leave.
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 |