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August 2026 Retiree newsletter

Deeming rates and calculator for the Age Pension income test
Current deeming rates and thresholds for the Age Pension income test. See exactly how your assets are assessed. Read more.
Deeming rates and calculator for the Age Pension income test
Current deeming rates and thresholds for the Age Pension income test. See exactly how your assets are assessed. Read more.
Age Pension rates (from September 2026)
Age Pension rates are rising again, but how much you actually get depends on your assets and income. Check the latest rates and figures. Read more.
Age Pension rates (from September 2026)
Age Pension rates are rising again, but how much you actually get depends on your assets and income. Check the latest rates and figures. Read more.
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. Read more.
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. Read more.
Age Pension assets test rules (from September 2026)
This article details the rules and limits of the Age Pension assets test (how much your savings and other assets are worth), which is one half of the means test … Read more.
Age Pension assets test rules (from September 2026)
This article details the rules and limits of the Age Pension assets test (how much your savings and other assets are worth), which is one half of the means test … Read more.
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?”. Read more
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?”. Read more

UPDATED BEST PERFORMING PENSION FUNDS

See the top pension funds by investment category over 1 year and 10 years. Now updated to 30 June 2026.

Case study: Boosting retirement income with downsizer contributions
Lee and Mandy are retired and want to see whether downsizing could increase their retirement income. Read more.
Case study: Boosting retirement income with downsizer contributions
Lee and Mandy are retired and want to see whether downsizing could increase their retirement income. Read more.
Pension fund performance: Monthly returns to July 2026
Pension funds made a modest start to the new financial year in July, with the median Growth fund up 0.3%. Read more.
Pension fund performance: Monthly returns to July 2026
Pension funds made a modest start to the new financial year in July, with the median Growth fund up 0.3%. Read more.

SuperGuide members Q&A: September 2026

Thursday 17 September 2026 at 11:00 am AEST

In this webinar super expert Garth McNally answers recent questions from SuperGuide members.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Watch our previous webinar, Downsizer contributions.

Q: I am 73 years of age and have nominated my adult son (50 years of age) to receive my super death benefit as a lump sum. My son is a non-dependant from a tax perspective, and is nominated to receive the death benefit directly rather than through my estate.

I have read your guide to what tax is payable on super death benefits, and my understanding is that the taxable component of the death benefit received by my son will be taxed at 15% plus the 2% Medicare levy. Because he is a high income earner, he will also be liable for the 1.5% Medicare levy surcharge and Division 293 tax.

Above all, I am looking for absolute confirmation of the rule that 15% is indeed the maximum tax that will be imposed.

A: Yes, the maximum tax rate on the taxable component of a death benefit from a taxed super fund is 15%. When the benefit is paid directly from a super fund to an individual, the taxable amount is added to the recipient’s assessable income and a tax offset is applied to reduce the tax to this level.

If a death benefit includes an untaxed element, which applies to untaxed public sector funds only, the maximum rate is 30%.

However, as you have mentioned, adding the amount to an individual’s assessable income can increase other levies and taxes, including the Medicare levy, the Medicare levy surcharge and Division 293 tax.

This can be avoided where benefits are directed to the deceased estate and paid to recipients from there. The difference arises because the estate declares the income in its own tax return rather than the individual. Estates are not natural persons, so the Medicare levy does not apply.

If investment market jitters are setting you on edge, a bucket strategy for your retirement savings could offer some peace of mind.

Important: All information on SuperGuide is general in nature only and does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider whether any information on SuperGuide is appropriate to you before acting on it. If SuperGuide refers to a financial product you should obtain the relevant product disclosure statement (PDS) or seek personal financial advice before making any investment decisions.

Superguide Pty Ltd ATF Superguide Unit Trust as a Corporate Authorised Representative (CAR) is a Corporate Authorised Representative of Independent Financial Advisers Australia, AFSL 464629.