Being a deferred SASS member doesn’t mean your super options are behind you. In fact, changes to superannuation laws in recent years may still give you ways to add to your retirement savings, even if you’re no longer contributing to SASS.
To be clear, once your SASS membership is deferred, you can’t make further contributions to your SASS account. But that doesn’t mean you’re locked out of super altogether. Many contribution rules apply to you as an individual, rather than to a specific fund, which means you may still be able to make contributions to another complying super fund.
Making the most of pre-tax contributions
The annual cap for pre-tax, or concessional, contributions was increased to $30,000 on 1 July 2024. This cap includes all employer contributions, salary sacrifice amounts and any personal contributions for which you claim a tax deduction. Keep in mind that if you continue to make any personal deductible contributions to your super outside of SASS after age 67, you will need to meet a work test.
As a deferred SASS member, you can’t add money to your SASS account, but you may be able to take advantage of unused concessional cap amounts by contributing to another super fund. If you haven’t used your full concessional cap in any of the past five financial years, you may be able to carry those unused amounts forward and add them to your current year’s cap, provided your Total Super Balance was below $500,000 at the previous 30 June.
For deferred members, State Super generally reports your Accumulation Phase Value (APV) to the ATO. This value is used to calculate your Total Super Balance. This figure is shown on your annual SASS statement and reflects the value of your deferred benefit at 30 June.
After-tax contributions and larger amounts
You may also be able to boost your super using after-tax, or non-concessional, contributions. The standard non-concessional cap is $120,000 per year, subject to your total super balance.
If your total super balance is below the relevant thresholds, the bring-forward rules may allow you to contribute up to $360,000 over a shorter period. These rules can be particularly useful if you receive a lump sum outside super, for example, from selling an investment, an inheritance or the proceeds of downsizing your home. As with concessional contributions, these amounts would need to be contributed to another super fund, not SASS.
Age-based rules still apply, and , contribution eligibility can depend on timing, balances and personal circumstances. These details matter, particularly as you approach retirement.
How retirement income limits fit in
Once you’ve met a condition of release and are ready to start drawing an income, you may choose to roll your SASS deferred benefit into another super fund that offers retirement income accounts. While SASS itself doesn’t provide retirement income streams, the broader super system allows you to convert eligible savings into a tax-effective income once you exit the scheme.
The amount you can transfer into retirement income streams is limited by the General Transfer Balance Cap, which is $2.0 million from 1 July 2025. Your personal Transfer Balance Cap will depend on your circumstances, and the ATO can confirm what applies to you. It’s important to note that your TBC will be different, if you have already opened a retirement income account.
Getting the balance right
Taken together, these rules can create opportunities, but they also add complexity. For deferred SASS members, the interaction between contribution caps, total super balance limits and retirement income rules isn’t always straightforward.
That’s why it can be helpful to discuss your circumstances with an Aware Super financial planner. A planner can help explain how the revised limits apply to you and what options may be available as part of your broader retirement planning.
Your first appointment with an Aware Super financial planner is free of cost or obligation. Book an appointment at aware.com.au/statesuperadvice or call 1800 841 633.