Retired couple spending time together on the couch
Retirement looks different when you're planning it together. When you plan jointly, you can access strategies not available to individuals, and your combined super can often go further than you expect. This article walks you through what to think about, what strategies may be available to you, and how to make the most of your super as a couple.
This article is a summary of a 2026 Aware Super webinar presented by Rebecca Wilson, author of How to Have an Epic Retirement, and Peter Hogg, General Manager of Guidance and Advice at Aware Super.
How much super do couples actually need to retire comfortably?
Here's something that surprises most couples: you don't need double what a single person needs. Because you share costs such as housing, utilities, groceries, your combined income needs are around 25–30% more than a single person's, not twice as much1.
According to ASFA's 2025 Retirement Standard, a couple needs around $77,375 a year for a comfortable retirement, compared to $54,840 for a single person1. That gap is meaningful, and it means your combined super may already be in better shape than you think. A comfortable retirement for a couple at age 67 is estimated to require a combined lump sum of around $730,0001 *.
* These figures are subject to change for current figures visit Retirement Standard - ASFA.
How long does your super money need to last?
This is one of the most important questions couples can ask and one of the most underestimated. There's a roughly 43% chance that at least one partner in a couple aged 65 today will reach 95. That's a retirement that could span three decades1.
Planning together means thinking about longevity as a shared consideration, not just an individual one. The strategies in this article can help make sure your money goes the distance for both of you.
What kind of retirement do you both want?
Before diving into the numbers, it helps to get clear on what you're planning for. A shared retirement vision makes it much easier to work out how much you'll need and which strategies will help get you both there.
Think about:
When each of you wants to retire and whether retiring at different times is an option;
What a comfortable retirement looks like day to day, including travel, family, hobbies, lifestyle;
Whether downsizing, relocating, or helping family financially is part of the picture;
How you'd handle it if one partner's circumstances changed unexpectedly.
The Aware Super Retirement Guide includes a checklist to help you work through this together.
Super strategies that work better when you plan together
Planning together opens strategies that aren't available when you plan as individuals. Here are some of the most useful ones. Not all of them will apply to your situation, so look for the eligibility prompt at the start of each.
Spouse contributions. This may apply to you if your partner earns under $40,000 a year. You may be able to contribute to your partner's super and receive a tax offset of up to $540. It's a simple way to support your partner's retirement while reducing your own tax. Conditions apply visit ato.gov.au for current thresholds and eligibility.
Contribution splitting. This may apply to you if one partner has a significantly higher super balance. You can split up to 85% of your before-tax contributions into your partner's account each year. This helps balance your combined super and can improve Age Pension eligibility over time.
Downsizer contributions. This may apply to you if you're 55 or older and considering selling the home you’ve lived in for 10 years or longer. Each partner can contribute up to $300,000 from the sale of your home into super outside the usual contribution caps. For couples, that's up to $600,000 combined. This can be a significant opportunity to boost your balance later in life, learn more about downsizer contributions on our Aware Learn hub.
Government co-contribution. This may apply to you if one partner earns under $47,488 in 2025–26. If the lower-earning partner makes an after-tax contribution of up to $1,000, the Government may match it with up to $500. Visit ato.gov.au to check current eligibility thresholds and contribution amounts. Check your eligibility for the government's super co-contribution before acting on this information. Visit aware.com.au/grow for more information. Check your eligibility for the government's super co-contribution before acting on this information.
Before contributing, consider the relevant superannuation thresholds including the current annual limit for all before-tax contributions and after-tax contributions. Exceeding any of these thresholds, may reduce any tax benefits you could receive. Visit aware.com.au/grow.
How the Age Pension works for couples
The Age Pension is assessed differently for couples, both the assets test and the income test take your combined situation into account, which means decisions one partner makes can affect both of your entitlements.
One strategy worth knowing: if one partner is under Age Pension age, keeping more assets in their super accumulation account may reduce the assets counted in the means test for the older partner, potentially increasing your combined Age Pension entitlement.
It's worth understanding how the means test applies to your situation before making any large financial decisions. You can find out more information here. Age Pension rates and thresholds change regularly, visit Aware Super Age Pension Hub to learn more.
What if you retire at different times?
It's common for partners to retire at different times and that's not a complication, it's actually a planning opportunity. If one partner is still working, strategies like salary sacrifice and contribution splitting can help boost the other partner's super while managing tax. Salary sacrifice will save tax in many but not all circumstances and will cause a reduction in your take home pay. You can find out more about contributions here. A Transition to Retirement strategy may also be worth exploring if one partner wants to reduce hours gradually before fully retiring.
We're here to help
Retirement planning as a couple can feel complex — but you don't have to work it out alone.
Super Helpful Check-in* A 45-minute video call with a qualified expert to help you understand your options. The check-in is at no extra cost for members.
Retire Ready Check-in* For couples within two years of retirement, with a dedicated adviser to help set you both up. The check-in is at no extra cost for members.
My Retirement Planner™ Explore different retirement income scenarios at aware.com.au
Age Pension Hub Guides, checklists, and videos to help you understand your entitlements
* Advice provided by Aware Financial Services Australia Limited (ABN 86 003 742 756, AFSL 238430), wholly owned by Aware Super.
FAQ
Yes, each partner keeps their own super account there's no joint super account in Australia. But strategies like contribution splitting and spouse contributions allow you to move money between accounts and balance your combined position over time.
Yes, in most cases. Spouse contributions allow you to contribute to a partner's super even if they're not working, subject to age and other eligibility conditions. Visit ato.gov.au for the current rules.
Yes, if one partner receives the Age Pension, the couple means test applies. Your combined assets and income are assessed together, which can affect how much the eligible partner receives.
Start with a conversation about your shared retirement vision, when each of you wants to stop working, what income you'll need, and how your super is currently split. A Super Helpful Check-in* is a great first step to understand your options and build a plan that suits you both.
*Advice provided by Aware Financial Services Australia Limited (ABN 86 003 742 756, AFSL 238430), wholly owned by Aware Super.
Yes, if you both meet the eligibility criteria, each partner can contribute up to $300,000 from the sale proceeds, giving you a combined potential contribution of $600,000. The home needs to have been owned for at least 10 years and been your main residence at some point. Visit ato.gov.au for the full eligibility conditions.
Recommended resources
1. Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia, Retirement Standard, https://www.superannuation.asn.au/consumers/retirement-standard
General advice only. Consider your objectives, financial situation or needs, which have not been accounted for in this information and read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determination at aware.com.au/pds before acting. Members can get advice about their Aware Super accounts at no extra cost, or advice on their broader needs for a fee. Advice provided by Aware Financial Services Australia Limited (ABN 86 003 742 756, AFSL 238430), wholly owned by Aware Super.