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March 2025 Retiree newsletter

Age Pension rates (March 2026 to September 2026)
Age Pension rates are rising again. Check the latest rates for singles, couples and transitional pensions and learn what you may be entitled to. Read more.
Age Pension rates (March 2026 to September 2026)
Age Pension rates are rising again. Check the latest rates for singles, couples and transitional pensions and learn what you may be entitled to. Read more.
Age Pension calculator (March 2026 update)
Our Age Pension calculator gives you an estimate of your potential Age Pension entitlements based on your situation, assets and income. Read more.
Age Pension calculator (March 2026 update)
Our Age Pension calculator gives you an estimate of your potential Age Pension entitlements based on your situation, assets and income. Read more.
Age Pension assets test rules (from March 2026)
This article details the rules and limits of the Age Pension assets test (how much your savings and other assets are worth), which is one half of the means test … Read more.
Age Pension assets test rules (from March 2026)
This article details the rules and limits of the Age Pension assets test (how much your savings and other assets are worth), which is one half of the means test … Read more.
Age Pension income test rules (from March 2026)
A common question for those nearing or in retirement is “How much can a pensioner earn before it affects the pension?”. Read more
Age Pension income test rules (from March 2026)
A common question for those nearing or in retirement is “How much can a pensioner earn before it affects the pension?”. Read more
A retiree’s dilemma: Pay off the mortgage or preserve super?
If you retire with a mortgage, choosing whether to clear it with your super or continue making payments can have significant impact on your retirement income and security. Read more.
A retiree’s dilemma: Pay off the mortgage or preserve super?
If you retire with a mortgage, choosing whether to clear it with your super or continue making payments can have significant impact on your retirement income and security. Read more.
Common ‘myth-conceptions’ about retirement income
Given the complexity of super and how it interacts with the Age Pension, it’s not surprising that misunderstandings abound. So let’s bust a few myths. Read more.
Common ‘myth-conceptions’ about retirement income
Given the complexity of super and how it interacts with the Age Pension, it’s not surprising that misunderstandings abound. So let’s bust a few myths. Read more.
Pension fund performance to December 2025
Retirees had much to smile about in 2025, when pension fund returns grew strongly even after withdrawing minimum pension payments. Read more.
Pension fund performance to December 2025
Retirees had much to smile about in 2025, when pension fund returns grew strongly even after withdrawing minimum pension payments. Read more.

When can I access my super? All conditions of release explained

Thursday 17 April 2025 at 11:00 am AEDT

There are strict rules on when and how we can access our superannuation, referred to as the conditions of release. This webinar will take you through each of these conditions of release and highlight how you can use them to your advantage!

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Watch our previous webinar, SuperGuide members Q&A: March 2025.

Q: This question is about non concessional contributions to my super fund. I am 74 years of age and wish to make a non-concessional contribution before I reach 75 years. I receive a defined benefit CSS pension which the ATO values at about $1,400,000. I also have about $1,400,000 in the accumulation phase of my super fund.

As my accumulation phase amount is below $1,900,000, can I make a non concessional contribution to this fund? My plan would be to contribute $120,000 before July 1st and then make a “bring forward” contribution of $360,000 before I turn 75 in September this year.

A: Before making a non-concessional contribution, it is important to check your total super balance (TSB) on the last 30 June. You may do this via MyGov using the linked ATO service.

In the superannuation menu, you will find your TSB. If your TSB was $1.9 million or more on 30 June 2024, then your non-concessional cap in 2024-25 is zero and any non-concessional contribution you make during the year will be treated as an excess contribution which will need to be withdrawn.

All superannuation counts towards your TSB including accounts in the pension/retirement phase, accumulation phase, and defined benefits.

Based on the information you have provided, it is likely your TSB is above the cap of $1.9 million and it will not be possible to make any non-concessional contributions.

Have you thought about working in retirement? Aside from the obvious financial benefits, work can be an additional social contact, stave off boredom, and provide a sense of structure and routine. Some work in retirement could be liberating. Learn more about the financial and health benefits of working in retirement.

Important: All information on SuperGuide is general in nature only and does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider whether any information on SuperGuide is appropriate to you before acting on it. If SuperGuide refers to a financial product you should obtain the relevant product disclosure statement (PDS) or seek personal financial advice before making any investment decisions.

Superguide Pty Ltd ATF Superguide Unit Trust as a Corporate Authorised Representative (CAR) is a Corporate Authorised Representative of Independent Financial Advisers Australia, AFSL 464629.