$70
$490

Based on your details, you can compare and save on the following superannuation
Pros and Cons
Pros and Cons
- Low fees and low cost flexible insurance.
- Additional employer contribution if member contributes 4.5% after tax.
- Access to limited advice and full financial planning with the ability to pay from account balance.
- Extensive metropolitan and regional workplace visit program and significant member education including targeted seminars.
Summary
Originally established in 1927 as The South Australian Superannuation Fund, Super SA is now the largest super scheme in South Australia responsible for managing the super and retirement savings of current and former SA public sector employees. The Triple S scheme is classified as an untaxed fund catering to actively working members. Super SA Triple S offers a range of 8 investment options to choose from, providing members with access to 6 Diversified options, a Cash option and a Socially Responsible option for the ethical investor. The Balanced option outperformed the SuperRatings Index over each time period assessed to 30 June 2020; however, care should be taken when comparing performance figures as all returns displayed are untaxed. Fees are competitive and lower than the industry average across all account balances assessed, with the asset-based administration fee capped at $325 pa. Members are charged a fee for the second and subsequent investment switches.Eligible members are automatically provided with standard Death and Total & Permanent Disablement (TPD) cover and Income Protection (IP) cover upon joining the fund. Income Protection is available up to a maximum of 75% of notional salary plus a Contribution Replacement Benefit, with a 2-year benefit payment period following a 30- or 90-day waiting period. Voluntary Death Only insurance is only available to Triple S Spouse members. Members have access to comprehensive financial planning services provided through Industry Fund Services on a fee-for-service basis. The fund's website includes a Knowledge Centre where members can access fact sheets, calculators, vodcasts and news updates. The online Member Portal allows members to update their details and switch investment options.
Features and Fees
Super SA 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 $70 | Administration fee (%) 0.05% |
Switching fee $20 | Investment fee |
Indirect cost ratio (%) 0.79% | Exit fee $0 |
Pros and Cons
- Low fees and low cost flexible insurance.
- Additional employer contribution if member contributes 4.5% after tax.
- Access to limited advice and full financial planning with the ability to pay from account balance.
- Extensive metropolitan and regional workplace visit program and significant member education including targeted seminars.
Originally established in 1927 as The South Australian Superannuation Fund, Super SA is now the largest super scheme in South Australia responsible for managing the super and retirement savings of current and former SA public sector employees. The Triple S scheme is classified as an untaxed fund catering to actively working members. Super SA Triple S offers a range of 8 investment options to choose from, providing members with access to 6 Diversified options, a Cash option and a Socially Responsible option for the ethical investor. The Balanced option outperformed the SuperRatings Index over each time period assessed to 30 June 2020; however, care should be taken when comparing performance figures as all returns displayed are untaxed. Fees are competitive and lower than the industry average across all account balances assessed, with the asset-based administration fee capped at $325 pa. Members are charged a fee for the second and subsequent investment switches.Eligible members are automatically provided with standard Death and Total & Permanent Disablement (TPD) cover and Income Protection (IP) cover upon joining the fund. Income Protection is available up to a maximum of 75% of notional salary plus a Contribution Replacement Benefit, with a 2-year benefit payment period following a 30- or 90-day waiting period. Voluntary Death Only insurance is only available to Triple S Spouse members. Members have access to comprehensive financial planning services provided through Industry Fund Services on a fee-for-service basis. The fund's website includes a Knowledge Centre where members can access fact sheets, calculators, vodcasts and news updates. The online Member Portal allows members to update their details and switch investment options.
Read More
Super SA 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 $70 | Administration fee (%) 0.05% |
Switching fee $20 | Investment fee |
Indirect cost ratio (%) 0.79% | 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 5.82% | Admin fee $70 | 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 6.75% | Admin fee $70 | Company ![]() | Calc fees on 50k $490 | 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 5.86% | Admin fee $70 | Company ![]() | Calc fees on 50k $525 | 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 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
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).
Can my employer use money from my superannuation account?
No, your employer can’t touch the money that is paid into your superannuation account.
How do I combine several superannuation accounts into one account?
The process used to consolidate several superannuation accounts into one is the same process used to change superannuation funds. This can be done through your MyGov account or by filling out a rollover form and sending it to your chosen fund.
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 do I choose the right superannuation fund?
Different superannuation funds charge different fees, offer different insurances, offer different investment options and have different performance histories.
So you need to ask yourself these four questions when comparing superannuation funds:
- How many fees would I have to pay and what would they cost?
- What insurances are available and how much would they cost?
- What investment options does it offer? How would they match my risk profile and financial needs?
- How have these investment options performed historically?
What are government co-contributions?
A government co-contribution is a bonus payment from the federal government into your superannuation account – but it comes with conditions. First, the government will only make a co-contribution if you make a personal contribution. Second, the government will only contribute a maximum of $500. Third, the government will only make co-contributions for people on low and medium incomes. The Australian Taxation Office will calculation whether you’re entitled to a government co-contribution when you lodge your tax return. The size of any co-contribution depends on the size of your personal contribution and income.
Is superannuation compulsory?
Superannuation is compulsory. Generally speaking, it can’t be touched until you’re at least 55 years old.
What are ethical investment superannuation funds?
Ethical investment funds limit themselves to making ‘ethical’ investments (which each fund defines according to its own principles). For example, ethical funds might avoid investing in companies or industries that are linked to human suffering or environmental damage.
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 superannuation do I need?
According to the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA), here is how much you would be able to spend per week during retirement:
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 |
Am I entitled to superannuation if I'm not an Australian citizen?
Yes, permanent and temporary residents are entitled to superannuation.
What happens to my insurance cover if I change superannuation funds?
Some superannuation funds will allow you to transfer your insurance cover, without interruption, if you switch. However, others won’t. So it’s important you check before changing funds.
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.
Can I choose a superannuation fund or does my employer choose one for me?
Most people can choose their own superannuation fund. However, you might not have this option if you are a member of certain defined benefit funds or covered by certain industrial agreements. If you don’t choose a superannuation fund, your employer will choose one for you.
When can I access my superannuation?
You can withdraw your superannuation when 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 – which is different to the pension 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 |
A transition to retirement allows you to continue working while accessing up to 10 per cent of the money in your superannuation account at the start of each financial year.
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
What is superannuation?
Superannuation is money set aside for your retirement. This money is automatically paid into your superannuation fund by your employer.
What superannuation details do I give to my employer?
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 should also provide your tax file number – while it’s not a legal obligation, it will ensure your contributions will be taxed at the (lower) superannuation rate.
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.
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