Navigating redundancy

As a CSS member, if you're making an election for:

• the ‘deferred’ benefit option, you have up to one month before or 21 days after your cessation date to submit your redundancy benefit application.

• any other benefit option, you have 3 months before or after your cessation date to submit your redundancy benefit application.

Failure to submit your benefit application within the time frames noted above may result in your benefit being treated as unclaimed money and paid to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).

Note: If you’ve been on extended sick leave, you may be eligible for invalidity retirement.

Before accepting a redundancy, please speak with your employer about being assessed for invalidity benefits instead.

1. Receive an offer

   Your employer will reach out to you with either an expression of interest or offer of redundancy, although sometimes the redundancy may be involuntary. At this time, they might also provide you with a severance payout estimate. This is separate to your redundancy entitlements from CSC—these will be outlined in a separate benefit estimate.

2. Get a benefit estimate

   Your redundancy benefit from CSC could include a lifetime pension, lump sum or a combination of both.

   Your employer will contact us for a benefit estimate of your entitlements after you give them authority to request it on your behalf. The benefit estimate will be returned to your employer generally within 5 business days.

   Note: If you don’t receive a benefit estimate before you cease employment, you should speak with your personnel section as soon as possible. 

3. Consider your options

   Take some time to read your estimate and review the redundancy benefit application and factsheet.

   Our Redundancy e-Learning Modules can support you with a framework for approaching redundancy, and how to plan ahead for the next chapter of your working life.

   Now might be a good time to seek financial advice to discuss your options. You can book an appointment to see one of our Financial Planners* on 1300 277 777.

4. Submit your benefit application

   Once you’re ready to make a decision about your super options, you can download your redundancy benefit application and submit to [email protected] or the postal address listed on the form. Depending on which option you choose, your application may be submitted up to 3 months before your cease date.

   Don’t forget to include a Tax File Number (TFN) Declaration form if you’re claiming a pension. You can download this form from ato.gov.au.

   Your benefit application generally takes 15 business days to process from the later of your redundancy date, or the date your completed form is received by CSC, but in peak periods it may take longer. Once it’s finalised, we’ll advise you of your entitlements and the expected payment date.

   Redundancy Application Form