If you earn under a certain amount each financial year ($64,293 for the 2026/27 financial year) and contribute up to $1,000 to your super before 30 June, the government could give you an extra boost of up to $500. This is called the government co-contribution. Like any contribution, it can make a big difference to your super over time.[S1]
The government may add up to 50 cents for every $1 you contribute to your super, up to a maximum of $500 each year.
To receive it, you need to make an eligible after-tax (non-concessional) contribution before June 30.
As an example, if you contribute $600 to your super that financial year, the government might boost your super by up to $300 if you meet the income threshold.
The best part is that you don’t need to apply. The ATO will check your tax return and contribution history to see if you qualify and pay into your super account automatically if you do.
The more you contribute (up to $1,000), the more the government may add (up to $500 per financial year). The amount will gradually reduce once your income passes $49,293.
| Income range (2026/27) |
If you add |
The government could add |
|---|---|---|
| Up to $49,293 |
$1,000 |
$500 |
| $49,294-$64,292 | $1,000 |
Between $499–$20 (reduces as income rises) |
| $64,293 and above | You can still contribute, but you won’t receive a co-contribution from the government. |
$0 |
You could be eligible if:
Emma works part time and earns $45,000 a year. She decides to add $1,000 from her savings into her super as an after-tax contribution. The ATO will pay a $500 co-contribution into her super account between November and January.
This happens without Emma having to do anything extra. As long as she contributes and lodges her tax return, the government adds the bonus.
All you have to do is contribute and lodge your tax return:
If you’re an Aware Super member, simply log in to your account to make a personal contribution.[S1]
Here are some details to keep in mind:
The government co-contribution is just one way to boost your super. You could also:
You might. For the 2026/27 financial year, if your total income is below $64,293 and you make an after-tax contribution to your super, you could receive a government co-contribution of up to $500. To qualify, at least 10% of your income must come from employment or business.
You don’t need to apply. The ATO will check your eligibility when you lodge your tax return and pay the co-contribution into your super if you qualify.
If you make after-tax contributions and earn less than $64,293, the government may add up to 50 cents for every $1 you contribute, capped at $500 a year.
Yes. When you make a personal after-tax contribution, you’ve already paid tax on it at your marginal rate (the highest tax you’ll pay on your income). If you claim it as a deduction, the contribution is instead taxed at a rate of 15%, which may lower your tax bill.
But once you claim a deduction, that contribution no longer counts as an after-tax contribution, so it won’t qualify for the government co-contribution.
One of the pros of after-tax contributions is being able to build your super for retirement, while potentially saving on tax. A downside is that you reduce your take-home pay and have to be careful not to exceed the before- and after-tax contribution caps.
It’s important to consider if contributions are right for your situation.[S1]
[AD2] Members can get advice about their Aware Super accounts at no extra cost, or advice on their broader needs for a fee.
[S1] Before contributing, consider the current annual contribution limits. Exceeding these limits may reduce any tax benefits you could receive. Visit Grow your super for more information.
[S3] Check your eligibility for the government's super co-contribution before acting on this information.
