Super questions answered
Straight answers to the questions Australians actually ask about super. Every answer cites the ATO or MoneySmart.
Can I withdraw super to pay off debt?
Generally no — not until you hit preservation age (60) and meet a condition of release. The narrow exceptions are severe financial hardship and compassionate grounds, both tightly controlled by the ATO.
Is super part of my estate when I die?
No. Super is held in trust and does not automatically form part of your estate. It is paid according to your fund's rules and any binding death benefit nomination you have made.
How long does a super rollover take?
Three business days by law if both funds use SuperStream — which nearly all now do. Allow 5–10 business days in practice for edge cases or paper forms.
Do I pay tax on super withdrawals?
Over 60 and retired: lump sums and pension payments are tax-free. Between preservation age and 60: taxable component is taxed at marginal rates less a 15% offset. Before preservation age: up to 22% tax.
Can I have multiple super funds?
Yes — but you probably shouldn't. Every extra fund means duplicate admin fees and potentially duplicate insurance premiums eating your balance. Most Australians should consolidate to one.
What happens to super when you die?
Your super balance plus any life insurance inside super is paid to your beneficiaries by the trustee — not the executor of your will. A binding death benefit nomination tells the trustee exactly who should receive it.
Do employers have to pay super?
Yes. Employers must pay Superannuation Guarantee at 12% of ordinary time earnings for most employees earning any wage (the $450/month threshold was abolished in July 2022). Quarterly deadline: 28 days after quarter end.
How much super should I have for my age?
ASFA benchmarks: $61k at 30, $131k at 40, $240k at 50, $411k at 60 for a comfortable retirement. These are medians — your target depends on your desired retirement lifestyle.
What is MySuper?
MySuper is the low-cost default product every APRA-regulated fund must offer. Simple investment mix, capped fees, basic insurance. If you never chose an investment option, you're in your fund's MySuper.
Can I contribute to super after 65?
Yes. Since July 2022 you can make personal and salary-sacrifice contributions up to age 75 without a work test. Over 75, only Superannuation Guarantee and downsizer contributions are allowed.
What is the Superannuation Guarantee?
The Superannuation Guarantee (SG) is the compulsory percentage of wages employers must pay into each employee's super fund. It's 12% of ordinary time earnings from 1 July 2025.
How do I find lost super?
Log in to myGov, link the ATO, and go to Super. Every fund the ATO has record of is listed, including ATO-held amounts. You can consolidate in a few clicks.
Can I use super to buy a house?
Only under the First Home Super Saver Scheme (up to $50,000 of voluntary contributions released for a first home). You cannot withdraw your regular super balance to buy a home.
Should I salary sacrifice or make a personal deductible contribution?
For most PAYG employees, the outcome is almost identical — both hit the same concessional cap at 15% contributions tax. Pick on admin: salary sacrifice needs employer setup; personal deductible needs a notice of intent and a tax return.
What is the difference between super and the Age Pension?
Super is your own money saved during your working life. The Age Pension is a Centrelink payment from the government, means-tested against your assets and income — for most retirees, the two work together.
How do I change super funds?
Open an account with the new fund, give your employer the new details on a Standard Choice Form, and roll your existing balance over through myGov or the new fund's website. Takes roughly 3 business days by SuperStream.
General information only — not financial advice. Super decisions are long-term; verify with a licensed adviser.