Super FAQs | Frequently Asked Questions | Sunsuper
Do you have a question about joining Sunsuper, your Sunsuper account or your super in general?
On this page:
- Joining Sunsuper
- Your Sunsuper account
- Online access
- Super related
- Retirement related
- Access your super
- Contributions and tax
How do I join Sunsuper?
Joining Sunsuper is easy. It will take around 5 minutes and you'll get your membership details right away. Join now.
Who can join Sunsuper?
Anyone can join Sunsuper. Join today.
Will it cost anything to join Sunsuper?
There is no cost to join Sunsuper.
As a profit-for-members fund, we don't have shareholders to pay so we exist solely for our members and any profits are returned to members in the form of lower fees and improved products and services.
Why join Sunsuper?
Sunsuper is a profit-for-members fund, solely focused on helping our members achieve their best retirement outcome. We do this by earning strong, long-term investment returns and charging lower fees. As we don't pay any shareholder dividends, our profits are reinvested to improve the products and services we offer our members to help them achieve and live their retirement dreams.
How do I change my address?
You can update your address in Member Online. Simply login, select 'Profile' > 'Personal details & tax file number' and update your details there.
How do I update my name or date of birth?
You can update your name or date of birth in Member Online. Simply login, select 'Profile' > 'Personal details & tax file number' and update your details there.
How do I find out my account balance?
To check your account balance, simply login to Member Online or the Sunsuper mobile app. Your balance will be displayed on the page following your successful login.
How do I find my member number?
Your Sunsuper member number will be on most pieces of communication from us - you should check letters, emails and statements.
If we have your email address or mobile phone number on file, you can use our online tool to find your member number.
How will I know my employer is making contributions into my Sunsuper account?
To check your employer is making contributions to Sunsuper, login to Member Online and check your transaction history.
Please note your employer may make contributions on your behalf on a different schedule to your regular pay. For example, employer contributions might be made monthly or quarterly. It's best you check with your employer if you are unsure.
How do I access my Sunsuper account online?
If you are already a Sunsuper member and don't have online access, you can register in 3 simple steps:
- Find your account
- Receive verification code
- Set your password
What if I forget my username or password?
If you have forgotton your username or password, go to our forgot login details.
I have forgotten my password. How do I reset?
You can reset your password here.
What are Sunsuper's ABN, USI or SFN numbers?
ABN:
98 503 137 921
USI: (USI replaces SPIN)
98 503 137 921 001
SFN:
150374940
How do I combine my super from other funds into my Sunsuper account?
Combining your super may be easier than you think.
Learn more about finding and combining your super funds.
When would my super be transferred to the ATO?
The Federal Parliament passed legislation which requires that any low balance inactive super accounts be transferred to the Australian Tax Office (ATO). This change aims to prevent members with inactive low account balances from having their super savings eroded by fees.
Super-savings accounts with a balance under $6,000 must generally be transferred to the ATO unless a member in the previous 16 months:
- received a contribution, rollover or automatic transfer from another fund,
- made an investment choice,
- changed their insurance cover,
- made or amended a binding beneficiary nominations, or
- provided written notice to the ATO or to Sunsuper that they do not wish for their Sunsuper account to be transferred.
One of the ways you can prevent your balance being transferred to the ATO is to consolidate your super funds through Member Online.
Can I take Sunsuper with me when I change jobs?
Usually you can decide where your super goes. But if you don't make a choice, your employer will. This may leave you with multiple funds, paying multiple set of fees and insurance premiums.
Please find our Selecting Sunsuper form. Use this form to take Sunsuper with you to another job, Just give the form to your employer and ask them to pay your super straight into your existing Sunsuper account. For more information about changing jobs please visit Changing jobs.
How do I update my beneficiaries?
The best way to ensure that your super and any insurance benefits are paid to who you intend is to nominate a binding beneficiary.
A binding nomination legally ‘binds’ the Sunsuper Trustee to pay your death benefit to who you nominate. Plus having a valid binding nomination reduces claim processing time.
Can I transfer my Kiwisaver to Sunsuper?
Deciding to accept transfers is up to each super fund. Currently Sunsuper does not accept transfers from New Zealand funds.
However, Sunsuper will transfer your super account to your chosen New Zealand fund provided they will accept the transfer.
I am ready to retire. What options does Sunsuper offer?
1. Leave your money in super
You can leave your money in your super account for as long as you want, even after you are allowed to withdraw it.
2. Receive regular payments
You can open an Income account by transferring all or some of your money from your super account.
You can then set up a regular payment from your Income account into your bank account. You can choose the amount and frequency of this regular payment.
3. Withdraw as a lump sum
You can keep all or some of your money in your super account and make lump sum withdrawals into your bank account. You can withdraw as much as you need, whenever you need it.
I am retiring soon - how do I get my super out?
Many people think they need to withdraw their super as a lump sum at retirement. You don't. In fact, you may be better off leaving it invested so it will continue to receive investment earnings. See how the 10/30/60 Revelation could help maximise super earnings right through retirement. If you do decide to take a lump sum payment, a minimum amount of $2,000 applies.
What are the benefits of starting a Sunsuper Income account?
- Pay less tax:
Any regular income payments or lump sum withdrawals are tax free if you're aged 60 or over. Earnings on your investments are generally tax free*. - Replace employment income:
Your money may last longer if you withdraw it in stages as an income stream, rather than all at once. - Invest for your future:
Your money can be invested according to your timeframe and income needs. - Lump sum withdrawal:
We allow you to make lump sum withdrawals from your Income account when you want to.
What is a 'Transition to retirement' account?
If you aren’t ready for retirement but would like to start working less, once you’ve reached your preservation age, a Sunsuper Transition to retirement Income account can allow you to supplement your income with regular payments from your super savings while you transition to full retirement.
When can I access my super?
Superannuation is designed to help you save for your retirement, so there are rules around when you can access it. Once you've turned 65, or reached your preservation age and retired, you have options for how you can access your super. Withdrawing your super earlier may be possible, but only under special circumstances.
How do I withdraw my super?
The quickest way for Sunsuper to receive your request to withdraw is via Member Online. It’s easy and there is no paperwork to upload. To submit a request to withdraw log into Member Online.
Can I access my super early?
Superannuation is designed to help you save for your retirement, so there are rules around when you can access it. Once you've turned 65 or reached your preservation age and retired, it’s generally straight forward to withdraw your super.
Withdrawing your super early may be possible, but only under special circumstances outlined below.
I have left Australia permanently. How do I access my super?
If you’ve entered Australia on an eligible temporary resident visa you may be eligible to withdraw your super as a Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP) once you’ve left Australia. You can apply to claim your account, subject to withholding tax if you:
- are not a citizen of Australia or New Zealand or a permanent resident of Australia , and
- have left Australia and your visa has either expired or been cancelled.
Using the Australian Taxation Office's (ATO) online facility is the easiest way to claim your super and there is no fee to have your immigration status verified.
How do I put extra money into my super?
Making additional contributions to your super account can make a significant difference to your financial future. The earnings paid on earnings can cause a ripple effect that gets your balance expanding over time. And you may also be able to lower your taxable income.
What are the BPAY details for depositing money into my account?
To obtain your biller code and reference number, please visit sunsuper.com.au/bpay (please note BPAY limits may apply).
How do I salary sacrifice?
Salary sacrifice is a simple way you can add to your super and help it grow faster - it also has some great tax benefits.
Ask your employer to arrange to have extra contributions made to your Sunsuper account via salary sacrifice. They can usually make the arrangement on your behalf. If you aren’t able to salary sacrifice, you can still make before-tax super contributions by making voluntary contribution from your after-tax pay, and then claiming a tax deduction.
Please note, If you are aged between 67 and 74, you need to complete a work test declaration (this can be completed in Member Online).
How do I make voluntary contributions?
Salary sacrifice is a simple way you can add to your super and help it grow faster - it also has some great tax benefits.
Salary sacrifice contributions are before tax payments you set up through an agreement with your employer. The super contributions you make before tax (concessional) are taxed at 15%.
Before you commit to salary sacrifice, you can see how it could work for you, by using our contributions calculator.
If you are unable to find the answer to your question, please call us on 13 11 84.
* Taxes may be payable in foreign countries in respect of income derived from non-Australian investment earnings, and a penalty tax on notional earnings may apply if you have a high total balance in one or more superannuation retirement pensions.