Five super rules every couple should know
2025 | 2min read
As a couple, you've built a life together, supported each other through challenging times, all with the aim to be happy and secure – both physically and financially.
Senior woman with pink hair
When it comes to building super, even the most organised couples can miss boosting their retirement savings, or missing out on Age Pension entitlements.
Here are five super rules many Australian couples overlook:
1. Spouse contributions can be a game-changer
If your partner earns less than $40,000 (or isn't working), you can contribute1 up to $3,000 into their super and receive a tax offset of up to $540.2 It's a simple way to balance your super and potentially improve your combined retirement income. This is a tax rule that isn’t on the radar for many couples, especially if one partner has taken time away from work for caring responsibilities.
2. Splitting contributions builds equal retirement security
You can split up to 85% of your concessional contributions with your spouse each year.2 This strategy helps even out super balances, which is particularly valuable if one partner has a lower balance due to career breaks. For couples where there’s an age gap, balancing super can also help optimise Age Pension entitlements later on.
3. Catch-up contributions: use what you've missed
If your total super balance is under $500,000, you can access unused concessional contribution cap space from the previous five years. For couples where one partner has lower income or made minimal contributions, this is a powerful way to accelerate savings in your final working years - especially if you're planning to retire together soon.
4. Age-based withdrawal rules differ for each partner
Once you turn 60 and meet a condition of release, you can access your super tax-free. If one partner is younger, their super remains locked until they reach preservation age or retire. Understanding these timing differences can help you plan how to fund your lifestyle if one partner stops working.
5. How super impacts your Age Pension as a couple
Centrelink assesses your combined assets and income when determining if you’re eligible for the Age Pension. Strategic decisions like when to draw down super, how much to keep in your pension account, or rebalancing super between partners, can maximise your entitlements. Many couples don't realise that even small adjustments can result in thousands more in pension payments over retirement.
Your next step – join our 'Planning for Retirement as a Couple' webinar
Ready to plan your retirement together?
Join our 'Planning for Retirement as a Couple' webinar on Thursday 11 December.
Presented by author Bec Wilson, and Aware Super General Manager of Advice, Peter Hogg. You get practical guidance, real-world strategies, and the chance to ask questions in a supportive environment.
1 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
2 For more details on spouse contributions, visit https://aware.com.au/member/super/grow-your-super/spouse-contributions
The information contained in this article is given in good faith and has been derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. No warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of this information is given and no responsibility is accepted by Aware Super Pty Ltd or its employees for any loss or damage arising from reliance on the information provided.