Coronavirus Superannuation Measures

Sharee WebsterSMSF

Superannuation Measures Announced In The Government’s Economic Response To The Coronavirus

TEMPORARY EARLY ACCESS TO SUPERANNUATION

Eligible individuals will be able to apply online through myGov to access up to $10,000 of their superannuation before 1 July 2020. They will also be able to access up to a further $10,000 from 1 July 2020 for approximately three months (exact timing will depend on the passage of the relevant legislation).

TEMPORARY REDUCTION IN SUPERANNUATION MINIMUM DRAWDOWN REQUIREMENTS

The Government is temporarily reducing superannuation minimum drawdown requirements for account-based pensions and similar products by 50 per cent for 2019-20 and 2020-21. This measure will benefit retirees holding these products by reducing the need to sell investment assets to fund minimum drawdown requirements.

Age Default minimum drawdown rates(%) Reduced rates by 50 per cent for the 2019-20 and 2020-21 income years (%)
Under 65 4 2
65-74 5 2.5
75-79 6 3
80-84 7 3.5
85-89 9 4.5
90-94 11 5.5
95 or more 14 7

CHANGES TO SOCIAL SECURITY DEEMING RATES

As of 1 May 2020, the upper deeming rate will be 2.25 per cent and the lower deeming rate will be 0.25 per cent. The reductions reflect the low interest rate environment and its impact on the income from savings. The change will benefit around 900,000 income support recipients, including around 565,000 people on the Age Pension who will, on average, receive around $105 more from the Age Pension in the first full year that the reduced rates apply.

The changes will be effective from 1 May 2020.

Early access to superannuation.

You can download the information regarding ‘early access to superannuation’ provided by the Australian Government as a printable PDF for future reference. Click here to access the PDF document.