Q&A: Contributing to super prior to a pension

So, the eligibility rules to make the contributions are obviously there and met. You would not need to then wait three years to see out that bring-forward rule, that three-year period, prior to starting your pension. They’re two separate sets of rules. The contribution rules obviously focus on how much we can get into super and up to what age we can get it in. Then the accessing rules just make sure that you are eligible to access your super. So, think about them separately.

I note that you said you’re about to turn 60 and a self-funded retiree. So, I am assuming you have already retired. Just keep in mind that if you have retired before age 60, you’d need to also make sure that you have no intention of going back to work. Remember, the definition of retirement differs for those under age 60 to those over age 60.

Because you’re under 60 and retired, you just have to have that second condition being that you don’t intend to go back to work. If you’ve met that, you don’t need to wait the three years. You could start the pension now.

Just make sure that there’s no fund specific rules that apply. If it’s an SMSF, it wouldn’t be. If it’s another type of fund, just check with the fund first. But that should all be fine without the need to wait three years.