Question: I am 60. I am interested in the
Answer: Most super benefits are preserved until retirement or until the individual satisfies another condition of release such as turning 65, or starting a transition-to-retirement pension (TRIP).
A relatively unknown condition of release is where a person is aged 60 or over but under the age of 65 and they cease an employment arrangement. In these circumstances, the person can be considered ‘retired’ for the purposes of accessing super. If an employment arrangement continues however, then turning 60 on its own is not considered a condition of release.
The question you ask is whether shifting from full-time work to part-time is considered cessation of an employment arrangement, and hence ‘retired’ for the purpose of accessing super benefits. If the answer is yes, then a 60 year-old individual in these circumstances can access their super benefits without the need to retire from the workforce, or to start a TRIP. If no, then a 60 year-old individual can only access super if they satisfy another condition of release such as retiring or turning 65 or starting a TRIP.
According to the ATO, reducing your hours of work when you are aged 60 or over, rather than resigning or retiring, is not sufficient to satisfy this condition of release.
Dear Trish,
Many thanks for your website “Superguide.com.au”
I am slowly trying to build up the courage to “fly solo” with my SMSF and your Superguide Website appears wonderful. It has answered some of my major questions already and hopefully I will make the jump soon. I am hoping your books and the Website will give me most of the information I will need.
Thanks again for your Website
Regards
PAUL ABBEY
Hi Paul
Many thanks for your kind words and best of luck with your super journey. We’re very proud of our website and we believe it can help millions of Australians by providing independent information on superannuation.
Regards
Trish