$78
$463




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Pros and Cons
Pros and Cons
- Low administration fees with strong long-term investment performance
- Dream Rewards member incentive program
- Innovative website design and mobile app
Summary
Sunsuper is a Queensland based industry fund providing superannuation services to employees across all industries. The fund was nominated as a finalist of the 2021 MySuper of the Year and the 2021 Momentum awards. Sunsuper for Life is designed to provide a whole of life solution, with streamlined processes and communications helping members manage their superannuation from the beginning of their working life through their retirement.Sunsuper's MySuper Lifecycle investment strategy reduces investment risk by transitioning the member to more conservative strategies as they get older, with investments gradually switched from the Balanced Pool to the Retirement and Cash Pools from age 55 to 65. The Balanced option underperformed the SuperRatings Index over the year to 30 June 2020; however, outperformed over the longer term. Choice members have access to a wide selection of investment options. Fees are lower than the industry average across all assessed account balances, with the asset administration fee charged on account balances up to $800,000 only. Members are able to switch investment options at no cost. A full suite of insurance cover is offered, with Death and Total & Permanent Disablement (TPD) insurance cover automatically provided to eligible members upon joining the fund. Members can apply for unlimited Death cover and up to $3 million of TPD cover through Tailored Death and TPD cover. Opt In Income Protection (IP) provides eligible new members with a benefit payment period of 2 years following a 90 day waiting period, covering up to 85% of salary, while 5 year or to age 65 benefit periods with 30, 60- or 180-day waiting periods can also be accessed through the Tailored IP cover. Additional benefits available include access to advice services, high quality educational material, interactive tools and calculators, as well as the ability to view account details and perform transactions online.
Features and Fees
Sunsuper Fees and Features
- Features
- Insurance Cover
- Fees
Features
Binding nominations | |
Account size discount | Online Access |
Home loans | Financial planning service |
Non-lapsing binding nominations | Employer size discount |
Anti-detriment payments | Credit cards |
Insurance Cover
Health insurance | Insurance life event increases |
Total and permanent disability cover | Long term income protection |
Fees
Admin fee $78 | Administration fee (%) 0.1% |
Switching fee $0 | Investment fee 0.27% |
Indirect cost ratio (%) 0.4% | Exit fee $0 |
Pros and Cons
- Low administration fees with strong long-term investment performance
- Dream Rewards member incentive program
- Innovative website design and mobile app
Sunsuper is a Queensland based industry fund providing superannuation services to employees across all industries. The fund was nominated as a finalist of the 2021 MySuper of the Year and the 2021 Momentum awards. Sunsuper for Life is designed to provide a whole of life solution, with streamlined processes and communications helping members manage their superannuation from the beginning of their working life through their retirement.Sunsuper's MySuper Lifecycle investment strategy reduces investment risk by transitioning the member to more conservative strategies as they get older, with investments gradually switched from the Balanced Pool to the Retirement and Cash Pools from age 55 to 65. The Balanced option underperformed the SuperRatings Index over the year to 30 June 2020; however, outperformed over the longer term. Choice members have access to a wide selection of investment options. Fees are lower than the industry average across all assessed account balances, with the asset administration fee charged on account balances up to $800,000 only. Members are able to switch investment options at no cost. A full suite of insurance cover is offered, with Death and Total & Permanent Disablement (TPD) insurance cover automatically provided to eligible members upon joining the fund. Members can apply for unlimited Death cover and up to $3 million of TPD cover through Tailored Death and TPD cover. Opt In Income Protection (IP) provides eligible new members with a benefit payment period of 2 years following a 90 day waiting period, covering up to 85% of salary, while 5 year or to age 65 benefit periods with 30, 60- or 180-day waiting periods can also be accessed through the Tailored IP cover. Additional benefits available include access to advice services, high quality educational material, interactive tools and calculators, as well as the ability to view account details and perform transactions online.
Read More
Sunsuper Fees and Features
- Features
- Insurance Cover
- Fees
Features
Binding nominations | |
Account size discount | Online Access |
Home loans | Financial planning service |
Non-lapsing binding nominations | Employer size discount |
Anti-detriment payments | Credit cards |
Insurance Cover
Health insurance | Insurance life event increases |
Total and permanent disability cover | Long term income protection |
Fees
Admin fee $78 | Administration fee (%) 0.1% |
Switching fee $0 | Investment fee 0.27% |
Indirect cost ratio (%) 0.4% | Exit fee $0 |
Fund fees vs. Industry average
Fund past-5-year return vs. Industry average
Investment allocation
Investment option performance
Past 5-year return 6.91% | Admin fee $78 | Company Promoted ![]() | Calc fees on 50k $463 | Features Advisory services Death insurance Income protection Online access Term deposits Variety of options | SuperRatings awards ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | Go to site | A balanced super fund intended to help you manage your super from your first day of work to retirement. Plus, you may be eligible for a Retirement Bonus of up to $4800. More details | Highlighted | |
Past 5-year return 6.91% | Admin fee $78 | Company ![]() | Calc fees on 50k $463 | 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 6.89% | Admin fee $78 | Company ![]() | Calc fees on 50k $463 | 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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FAQs
What age can I withdraw my superannuation?
You can withdraw your superannuation (or at least some of it) when you reach ‘preservation age’. The preservation age is based on date of birth. Here are the 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 |
When you reach preservation age, you can withdraw all your superannuation if you’re retired. If you’re still working, you can begin a ‘transition to retirement’, which allows you to withdraw 10 per cent of their superannuation each financial year.
You can also withdraw all your superannuation once you reach 65 years.
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.
What fees do superannuation funds charge?
Superannuation funds can charge a range of fees, including:
- Activity-based fees – for specific, irregular services, such as splitting an account after a divorce
- Administration fees – to cover the cost of managing your account
- Advice fees – for personal investment advice
- Buy/sell spread fees – when you make contributions, switches and withdrawals
- Exit fees – when you close your account
- Investment fees – to cover the cost of managing your investments
- Switching fees – when you choose a new investment option within the same fund
How do you create a superannuation account?
Before you create a superannuation account, you’ll need to check if you’re allowed to choose your own fund. Most Australians can, but this option doesn’t apply to some workers who are covered by industrial agreements or who are members of defined benefits funds.
Assuming you are able to choose your own fund, the next step should be research, because there are more than 200 different superannuation funds in Australia.
Once you’ve decided on your preferred superannuation fund, head to that provider’s website, where you should be able to fill in an online application or download the appropriate forms. You’ll need your tax file number (assuming you don’t want to be charged a higher tax rate), your contact details and your employer’s details (if you’re employed).
How does superannuation affect the age pension?
Most Australians who are of retirement age can qualify for the age pension. However, depending on the size of your assets and post-retirement income, you might be entitled to only a reduced pension. In some instances, you might not be entitled to any pension payments.
How much is superannuation?
Superannuation 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.
How do you claim superannuation?
There are three different ways you can claim your superannuation:
- Lump sum
- Account-based pension
- Part lump sum and part account-based pension
Two rules apply if you choose to receive an account-based pension, or income stream:
- You must receive payments at least once per year
- You must withdraw a minimum amount per year
- Age 55-64 = 4%
- Age 65-74 = 5%
- Age 75-79 = 6%
- Age 80-84 = 7%
- Age 85-89 = 9%
- Age 90-94 = 11%
- Age 95+ = 14%
If you want to work out how long your account-based pension might last, click here to access ASIC’s account-based pension calculator.
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 |
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
When is superannuation payable?
Employers must pay superannuation at least four times per year. The due dates are 28 January, 28 April, 28 July and 28 October.
What is the age pension's assets test?
The value of your assets affects whether you can qualify for the age pension – and, if so, how much.
The following assets are exempt from the assets test:
- your principal home and up to two hectares of used land on the same title
- all Australian superannuation investments from which a pension is not being paid – this exemption is valid until you reach age pension age
- any property or money left to you in an estate, which you can’t get for up to 12 months
- a cemetery plot and a prepaid funeral, or up to two funeral bonds, that cost no more than the allowable limit
- aids for people with disability
- money from the National Disability Insurance Scheme for people with disability
- principal home sale proceeds you’ll use to buy another home within 12 months
- accommodation bonds paid on entry to residential aged care
- any interest not created by you or your partner
- a Special Disability Trust if it meets certain requirements
- your principal home, if you vacate it for up to 12 months
- granny flat rights where you pay more than the extra allowable amount
For full pensions, reductions apply when your assessable assets exceed these thresholds:
Category |
Home owners |
Non-home owners |
Singles |
$253,750 |
$456,750 |
Couples living together |
$380,500 |
$583,500 |
Couples living apart due to ill health |
$380,500 |
$583,500 |
Couples with only one partner eligible |
$380,500 |
$583,500 |
For part pensions, reductions apply when your assessable assets exceed these thresholds:
Category |
Home owners |
Non-home owners |
Singles |
$550,000 |
$753,000 |
Couples living together |
$827,000 |
$1,030,000 |
Couples living apart due to ill health |
$973,000 |
$1,176,000 |
Couples with only one partner eligible |
$827,000 |
$1,030,000 |
For transitional rate pensions, reductions apply when your assessable assets exceed these thresholds:
Category |
Home owners |
Non-home owners |
Singles |
$503,250 |
$706,250 |
Couples living together |
$783,000 |
$986,000 |
Couples living apart due to ill health |
$879,500 |
$1,082,500 |
Couples with only one partner eligible |
$783,000 |
$986,000 |
How do I set up an SMSF?
Setting up an SMSF takes more work than registering with an ordinary superannuation fund.
An SMSF is a type of trust, so if you want to create an SMSF, you first have to create a trust.
To create a trust, you will need trustees, who must sign a trustee declaration. You will also need identifiable beneficiaries and assets for the fund – although these can be as little as a few dollars.
You will also need to create a trust deed, which is a document that lays out the rules of your SMSF. The trust deed must be prepared by a qualified professional and signed by all trustees.
To qualify as an Australian superannuation fund, the SMSF must meet these three criteria:
- The fund must be established in Australia – or at least one of its assets must be located in Australia
- The central management and control of the fund must ordinarily be in Australia
- The fund must have active members who are Australian residents and who hold at least 50 per cent of the fund’s assets – or it must have no active members
Once your SMSF is established and all trustees have signed a trustee declaration, you have 60 days to apply for an Australian Business Number (ABN).
When completing the ABN application, you should ask for a tax file number for your fund. You should also ask for the fund to be regulated by the Australian Taxation Office – otherwise it won’t receive tax concessions.
Your next step is to open a bank account in your fund’s name. This account must be kept separated from the accounts held by the trustees and any related employers.
Your SMSF will also need an electronic service address, so it can receive contributions.
Finally, you will need to create an investment strategy, which explains how your fund will invest its money, and an exit strategy, which explains how and why it would ever close.
Please note that you can pay an adviser to set up your SMSF. You might also want to take the Self-Managed Superannuation Fund Trustee Education Program, which is a free program that has been created by CPA Australia and Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand.
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.
How much superannuation should I have at age 40?
The amount of superannuation you should have at age 40 is based on how much money you need to have at retirement. That, in turn, is based on how much money you expect to spend each week during your retirement. That, in turn, depends on whether you expect to lead a modest retirement or a comfortable retirement.
The Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) estimates you would need the following amount per week:
Lifestyle | Singles | Couples |
---|---|---|
Modest | $465 | $668 |
Comfortable | $837 | $1,150 |
Here is the superannuation balance you would need to fund that level of spending:
Lifestyle | Singles | Couples |
---|---|---|
Modest | $50,000 | $35,000 |
Comfortable | $545,000 | $640,000 |
These figures come from the March 2017 edition of the ASFA Retirement Standard.
The reason people on modest lifestyles need so much less money is because they qualify for a far bigger age pension.
Here is how ASFA defines retirement lifestyles:
Category | Comfortable | Modest | Age pension |
---|---|---|---|
Holidays | One annual holiday in Australia | One or two short breaks in Australia near where you live | Shorter breaks or day trips in your own city |
Eating out | Regularly eat out at restaurants. Good range and quality of food | Infrequently eat out at restaurants. Cheaper and less food | Only club special meals or inexpensive takeaway |
Car | Owning a reasonable car | Owning an older, less reliable car | No car – or, if you do, a struggle to afford the upkeep |
Alcohol | Bottled wine | Casked wine | Homebrew beer or no alcohol |
Clothing | Good clothes | Reasonable clothes | Basic clothes |
Hair | Regular haircuts at a good hairdresser | Regular haircuts at a basic salon | Less frequent haircuts or getting a friend to do it |
Leisure | A range of regular leisure activities | One paid leisure activity, infrequently | Free or low-cost leisure activities |
Electronics | A range of electronic equipment | Not much scope to run an air conditioner | Less heating in winter |
Maintenance | Replace kitchen and bathroom over 20 years | No budget for home improvements. Can do repairs, but can’t replace kitchen or bathroom | No budget to fix home problems like a leaky roof |
Insurance | Private health insurance | Private health insurance | No private health insurance |
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 |
When did superannuation start?
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.
What are the age pension's residence rules?
On the day you claim the age pension, you must be in Australia and you must have been an Australian resident for at least 10 years (with no break in your stay for at least five of those years). The following exceptions apply:
- You’re exempt from the 10-year rule if you’re a refugee or former refugee
- You’re exempt from the 10-year rule if you’re getting Partner Allowance, Widow Allowance or Widow B pension
- You can claim the age pension with only two years of residency if you’re a woman whose partner died while you were both Australian residents
- You might be able to claim the age pension if you’ve lived or worked in a country that has a social security agreement with Australia
Am I entitled to superannuation if I'm not an Australian citizen?
Yes, permanent and temporary residents are entitled to superannuation.
Can I buy a house with my superannuation?
First home buyers are the only people who can use their superannuation to buy a property. The federal government has created the First Home Super Saver Scheme to help first home buyers save for a deposit. First home buyers can make voluntary contributions of up to $15,000 per year, and $30,000 in total, to their superannuation account. These contributions are taxed at 15 per cent, along with deemed earnings. Withdrawals are taxed at marginal tax rates minus a tax offset of 30 percentage points.
Voluntary contributions to the First Home Super Saver Scheme are not exempt from the $25,000 annual limit on concessional contributions. So if you pay $15,000 per year into the First Home Super Saver Scheme, you have to make sure that you don’t receive more than $10,000 in superannuation payments from your employer and any salary sacrificing.
How much money do you get on the age pension?
Pension payments can be reduced due to the income test and asset test (see ‘What is the age pension’s income test?’ and ‘What is the age pension’s assets test?’).
Here are the maximum fortnightly payments:
Category |
Single |
Couple each |
Couple combined |
Couple apart due to ill health |
Maximum basic rate |
$808.30 |
$609.30 |
$1,218.60 |
$808.30 |
Maximum pension supplement |
$65.90 |
$49.70 |
$99.40 |
$65.90 |
Energy supplement |
$14.10 |
$10.60 |
$21.20 |
$14.10 |
TOTAL |
$888.30 |
$669.60 |
$1,339.20 |
$888.30 |