Alert Our new digital portal, the CSC Navigator, is now live. Find out more, including how to register: CSC Navigator

How super works

Superannuation is a tax-effective way to save for retirement. At CSC, we work to invest your super savings in a way that works for you.

Couple in the kitchen with their dog

What's super?

At its simplest, superannuation—or super—is a form of saving for your retirement. While some people think of it as a tax, it’s not. Super is an ongoing way to save for retirement and the lifestyle you want for you and your family.

How super works

  1. Money is put into your super by your employer, who is required by law to contribute a percentage of your income.
  2. This money is then pooled with money from other customers and invested so it can earn interest and grow.
  3. When you’re ready and eligible to retire, you can access your super, giving you the freedom to start living the lifestyle you have planned for.

Using your super

Generally, you can access your super when you reach a certain age. The earliest age that you can access your super is called your ‘preservation age’. Your preservation age can differ depending on when you were born.

If you are in a defined-benefit fund, you might be able to access your super before your preservation age.

 

Withdrawing your super Accessing your super early

Man on a tram looking at this mobile

Super and tax

Since super is a form of income, it’s taxed by the Australian Government. Generally, super can be taxed when making contributions, on your investment earnings and when accessing it in retirement.

Tax and your super

Super is with you for the big events in life—like job changes or unexpected circumstances—and in your day-to-day living—like knowing you are covered by insurance.

It’s important to understand what super means for you—how it can help you achieve your goals and support you throughout life’s ups and downs.

Add to your super

Beyond what your employer contributes for you, you may want to add more money to your super through your own contributions. This could be before your income is taxed, called ‘salary sacrificing’, or after. You might also be eligible for some government contributions. Visit ato.gov.au for more information on what government contributions are available and their eligibility criteria.

Boost your super

Combine your super

If you have multiple super funds, you can combine them. Having only one super account can mean less paperwork and reduced fees, which can make a big difference to your total balance when you retire.

Find and combine your super

Employers are required by law to contribute a percentage of your income directly to your super. Most Australian Public Service (APS) employers pay 15.4% and the Australian Defence Force (ADF) pays 16.4%, which is more than the 10.5% super guarantee most Australians receive.

However, different super funds and employers may have different contribution rates.

Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation (CSC) looks after super funds designed specifically for Australian Government and Defence Force employees. With over 30 years’ experience, you can count on us to help you navigate the world of super, but ultimately you are in control of your super.

As a not-for-profit, we focus on achieving your goals rather than worrying about delivering profits to shareholders. We invest your money using strategies designed to work for your benefit. Our focus is always on delivering the best long-term results for your future.

We know super can be hard to understand, and we’re dedicated to ensuring you’re not left in the dark. We have a range of advisors, events and tools to help you find your way, wherever life takes you.

We’re your guide.

Why CSC?

We are your guide. Trusted by the Australian Government and Defence Force for 100 years, because we deliver where it matters most.

More about us

You may also like...

Your investment options

Learn the nuts and bolts of how your super scheme is designed and how it’s performing.

Learn more

Video resources

Learn more about how you can manage and maximise your superannuation with our recorded webinars.

Learn more

Maximising your super

We can help you to maximise your super through strategic contributions and better retirement planning.

Learn more