Superannuation and Age Pension changes from July 2021
Happy new (financial) year!
In this special edition we’ve updated all SuperGuide articles covering the key rules, regulations, rates and thresholds for the 2021-22 financial year. We also highlight the major changes that take place from 1 July 2021.
Highlights include:
- SUPER RULES: The last few months have produced a flurry of legislation and rule changes due to kick off on July 1, with many new opportunities to boost your retirement savings. This includes increases in the Super Guarantee, transfer balance cap and annual contributions caps, an extension of the bring-forward measure to people aged 65 and 66 and a continuation of lower minimum pension drawdowns. Six-member SMSFs are finally a thing and last but not least, the phasing in of the Your Future, Your Super reforms.
- SUPER CONTRIBUTIONS GUIDES: Our guides to the newly-increased concessional and non-concessional contributions, plus co-contributions, SG, LISTO, Division 293 and MSCB have all been updated for 2021-22.
- AGE PENSION: The thresholds for the assets tests, income tests and deeming all increase on 1 July 2021, which means that more Australians can receive a full or a higher part Age Pension. The eligibility age for the Age Pension is also increasing by 6 months.
2021-22 SUPER CHANGES
Superannuation rule changes from July 2026 (and previous years)
Every new super rule change explained: Payday Super, higher contribution caps, the transfer balance cap and Division 296 tax.
Key superannuation rates and thresholds for 2026-27
A new financial year brings updated thresholds for a range of super measures. Take a look at the new numbers to check for opportunities.
Transfer balance cap (TBC) for super pensions: How it works
The transfer balance cap limits the amount of your super savings you can invest in a tax-free pension for retirement.
Total superannuation balance (TSB): How it’s calculated
Your total super balance determines whether you can use a range of valuable super measures. Learn how it works and what you could be eligible for.
Your Future, Your Super: What it means for you
After much haggling, the Government’s latest package of super reforms aimed at tackling high fees and low performance has passed through parliament.
2021-22 SUPER CONTRIBUTIONS GUIDES
Concessional super contributions guide (2026–27)
Want to get more from your super? Start by understanding concessional contributions, the biggest and most tax-effective source of super savings.
Non-concessional super contributions guide (2026–27)
Making a personal contribution into your super can be a great way to boost your retirement nest egg and enjoy the benefits of the super system.
Government co-contribution: How it works
An extra payment from the government can be a great way to boost your super if you have some money to spare.
Superannuation Guarantee (SG) contributions rate and rules
Most people don’t look closely at their Superannuation Guarantee contributions – but it pays to know the current rate and how it’s worked out.
Low Income Superannuation Tax Offset (LISTO): How it works
The Low Income Super Tax Offset is a government rebate that can help boost your super and make saving for retirement a little easier.
What is the maximum super contribution base?
High-income earners face a cap on the amount of income on which their employer must make SG contributions.
Division 293 super tax explained
Income plus super contributions over $250,000? You may pay an extra 15% on some contributions. Find out how Division 293 tax works and what it could cost you.
AGE PENSION CHANGES
What is the Age Pension age?
The age at which eligible retirees can start receiving the Age Pension has risen to 67. Bad news if you were born from 1957 on, but the good news is there are no plans to lift the age further.
Age Pension assets test rules (from September 2026)
Age Pension assets test limits change three times a year, but your family home is never counted. Check the latest limits and what else is included.
Age Pension income test rules (from September 2026)
A common question for those nearing or in retirement is “How much can a pensioner earn before it affects the pension?”.
Deeming rates and thresholds (from 20 September 2026)
Current deeming rates and thresholds for the Age Pension income test. See exactly how your assets are assessed.
Age Pension calculator (September 2026 update)
Our Age Pension calculator gives you an estimate of your potential Age Pension entitlements based on your situation, assets and income.
