What could an extra 35% in super savings mean for your retirement?
When thinking about retirement, one question often comes to mind: Will I have enough?
27 Aug 2026
The Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) estimates that a single person who owns their home needs around $630,000 in superannuation savings to support a comfortable retirement lifestyle.1
For many CSC members, the outlook may be even stronger.
Based on projected retirement outcomes, defined contribution members who have recently contributed to their account are projected on average to achieve retirement lump sums that are around 35% higher than ASFA's comfortable retirement benchmark for a single homeowner.2
Putting 35% into perspective
Seeing the difference in dollar terms helps bring the impact to life.
| ASFA comfortable retirement lump sum estimate (as of Feb 2026) | Additional amount based on CSC’s funding ratio* | Potential CSC member retirement outcome | |
|---|---|---|---|
| $630,000 | +$220,500 (around 35% more than the ASFA comfortable retirement estimate) | $630,000 +$220,500 (around 35% more than the ASFA comfortable retirement estimate) $850,500 |
*Based on projected retirement lump sums for PSSap and ADF Super members who have made an active contribution in the past 90 days. Figures are in today's dollars and assume a wage inflation of 3.7% p.a. and CPI of 2.5% p.a. Comparisons are based on the ASFA Comfortable Retirement Standard (February 2026) lump sum estimate for a single person who owns their home. Outcomes vary by fund and individual circumstances. Figures are illustrative only and not guaranteed. Assumptions apply as at March 2026.
A projected retirement balance of $850,500, compared with $630,000, represents a potential $220,500 in additional retirement savings. Depending on your circumstances, additional savings may help provide:
- More retirement income, helping to support spending needs over a longer retirement.
- A larger financial buffer to help cover unexpected expenses.
- Greater flexibility to pursue lifestyle goals such as travel, hobbies or supporting family members.
- More options when planning retirement, including when and how you transition out of the workforce.
- Additional financial capacity to adapt to changing needs throughout retirement.
While every member's circumstances are different, the comparison highlights the value that strong long-term retirement outcomes can make over a working lifetime.
The value of staying invested for the long term
Retirement outcomes are built over decades, not months.
Regular contributions, investment returns and staying focused on long-term goals all play an important role in growing retirement savings. Even relatively small additions over time can lead to significantly larger balances at retirement.
That's why looking beyond short-term market movements and focusing on long-term outcomes can make a difference.
Helping you build the retirement you're working towards
Your super is one of the most important investments you'll make throughout your career.
Understanding how your retirement savings are tracking against recognised benchmarks, such as the ASFA Comfortable Retirement Standard, can help you feel more confident about your future and the steps you're taking today.
Whether retirement is years away or just around the corner, every contribution and every investment return helps build towards the future you're planning for.
See how you're tracking
Curious about what your retirement could look like?
Use the CSC Retirement Modeller to explore different scenarios, estimate your retirement income and see how the choices you make today could influence your future.
If you'd like to better understand how your super is tracking, PSSap members can speak with a CSC Super and Retirement Specialist, while ADF Super members can speak with a CSC Member Educator, at no extra cost.
[1] Source: Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA), Retirement Standard, March quarter 2026. This figure also assumes that the retiree/s will draw down all their capital and receive a part Age pension. This figure is a general guide only and does not take into account individual circumstances or financial needs.
[2] Based on projected retirement lump sums for PSSap and ADF Super members who have made an active contribution in the past 90 days. Figures are in today's dollars and assume a wage inflation of 3.7% p.a. and CPI of 2.5% p.a. Comparisons are based on the ASFA Comfortable Retirement Standard (February 2026) lump sum estimate for a single person who owns their home. Outcomes vary by fund and individual circumstances. Figures are illustrative only and not guaranteed. Assumptions apply as at March 2026.