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Home / In retirement / Working in retirement

Working in retirement

Working in retirement

Retirement is a condition of release to access your super once you have reached your preservation age. Your preservation age is between 55 and 60, depending on your date of birth.

Once you have made a written declaration to your super fund that you are officially retired, the contributions you can make into your super account are much more limited and depend on your age.

However, it’s possible to return to work even if retirement was your condition of release. If you’re aged under 60, you can return to work provided you can prove that your intention to retire was genuine when you made it. For example, your personal circumstances may have changed since you retired. You may need to provide proof of these changed circumstances to the ATO or your super fund. However you won’t be able to access any further super benefits that you accumulate from that point in time until you meet another condition of release. You can still access what you had accumulated up to that date.

A transition-to-retirement pension is also an option you can consider once you have reached preservation age.

If you’re aged between 60 and 64 and retirement was your condition of release, you can also return to the workforce at any time. Again, you won’t be able to access any further super benefits you accumulate from that point until you meet another condition of release.

If you’re aged over 65, it’s possible to access your super and still work. There are no access restrictions. In other words, you don’t have to retire to access it. If you are working and receiving the Age Pension then you may be eligible for the work bonus.

Set out below are the latest articles that relate to working in retirement.

Premium Workforce age discrimination and what it means for your super

Workforce age discrimination and what it means for your super

May 12, 2022

If you’re still keen to work, age discrimination can seriously affect your retirement plans. We’re all being encouraged to work longer, but what if you can’t?

What is the Pension Bonus Scheme?

What is the Pension Bonus Scheme?

March 14, 2022

The Pension Bonus Scheme is a tax-free lump sum payment available to people who meet its eligibility requirements. The Scheme has not accepted any new registrations since 1 July 2014.

PremiumCan I return to work after I access my super?

Can I return to work after I access my super?

February 25, 2022

Just because you’ve retired and collected your super, doesn’t mean you can’t go back to work if you want to. Here’s what you need to know.

PremiumThe financial and health benefits of working into retirement

The financial and health benefits of working into retirement

December 10, 2021

Staying in the workforce past the traditional retirement age can have many benefits – both financially and in terms of your physical and mental health.

PremiumStarting a new business in retirement

Starting a new business in retirement

June 12, 2020

So, you’re looking to start a small business to keep you busy in retirement? Here’s Bambi Price’s step-by-step guide to help get you get started.

PremiumWorking in retirement: Busting the age barrier

Working in retirement: Busting the age barrier

May 2, 2020

Whether by choice or necessity, more Australians are embracing working for longer. Yet there are obstacles to overcome when you’re looking for work in your 50s and older.

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