In this guide
Key points about the co-contribution:
- Tax treatment: To receive a co-contribution, your personal contribution must be made from after-tax money, so there’s no contribution tax. The co-contribution you receive is also tax free.
- Eligibility: Made an after-tax personal contribution not claimed as a tax deduction, with income below the higher threshold. Additional age, contribution cap and total super balance criteria also apply.
- Current thresholds: In 2026–27, eligible people with total income below the lower threshold of $49,293 can get the maximum co-contribution of $500. The maximum co-contribution reduces for income above this level, and cuts out completely if you earn $64,293 or more.
- How it works: Lower-income earners can make super contributions to qualify for a bonus payment into their super from the government.
When it comes to simple ways to boost your retirement savings, they don’t come much easier than taking advantage of the government’s co-contribution scheme.
If you’re eligible, all you need to do is tip a few extra dollars into your super fund and wait for the government’s extra contribution to hit your super account.
To help you understand the co-contribution scheme better, here’s a simple explainer.
What is a super co-contribution?
The super co-contribution scheme is designed to help low- and middle-income earners boost their retirement savings by providing an additional payment from the government (up to $500) for personal (after-tax) super contributions you make yourself.
The actual amount you receive depends on your income and the size of your personal super contribution.
Who is eligible for a co-contribution?
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