Ways to increase your super

You can make extra contributions to your own super fund. You don’t have to, but it can be a good way to boost your retirement savings

Making super co‑contributions — for low- or middle-income earners

If you’re a low- or middle-income earner, the Australian Government may add extra money to your superannuation when you make personal (after-tax) contributions.

This payment is called the super co‑contribution. It’s designed to help you grow your retirement savings.

How it works

If you are eligible and you make a personal (after‑tax) contribution to your super during the financial year, the government will contribute up to $500 into your super account. The exact amount depends on your income and how much you contribute.

Visit the ATO website to learn more about government super co-contributions.

Co-contribution income thresholds

Co-contribution income thresholds change every year. Visit the ATO website to find current co-contribution income thresholds.

For example: For the 2025–26 income year, the co‑contribution is based on the following thresholds:

Lower income threshold: $47,488
Higher income threshold: $62,488
Maximum government contribution: $500

If you earn below the lower threshold and contribute at least $1,000 after tax, you’ll receive the full $500. The co‑contribution reduces as your income rises and stops completely once your income reaches the higher threshold.

How much it is — examples based on 2025–26 thresholds

As a rough guide, based on 2025–26 thresholds:

If you earn $47,488 and contribute $1,000, you will likely receive the full $500.
If you earn $55,000 and contribute $1,000, you may receive around $250.
If your income is $62,488 or above, you will not receive a co‑contribution.

Work out if you are eligible

You may qualify for the co‑contribution if:

You make after‑tax personal contributions (without claiming a tax deduction).
Your income is below the higher income threshold.
At least 10% of your income is from work or self‑employment.
You are under age 71 at the end of the financial year.
Your fund has your tax file number (TFN).
You lodge a tax return for the year.
Your total super balance is below the general transfer balance cap at 30 June of the previous year.
You have not exceeded your non‑concessional contributions cap.

The ATO will automatically pay the co‑contribution into your super fund once you lodge your tax return and your fund reports your contribution.

6 tips to help increase your super balance

1. Make small after-tax contributions regularly

Even small, consistent contributions (e.g. $40 a fortnight) can attract a co-contribution and grow significantly over time.

2. Budget for contributions

Tools like the MoneySmart budget planner can help you identify what you can comfortably contribute to your super.

3. Aim to contribute at least $1,000 in an income year, if you can

A $1,000 after‑tax contribution gives you access to the full $500 co‑contribution, if you meet the income criteria. This is effectively a 50% return immediately.

4. Check your co-contribution eligibility early

Review:

your expected income
your total super balance
whether your fund has your TFN.

This prevents missing the payment. The ATO has an online eligibility and co-contribution calculator.

5. Combine with other government support (if eligible)

The low income super tax offset (LISTO) payment can help low-income earners boost their retirement savings. The LISTO is 15% of the concessional (before tax) super contributions you or your employer pays into your super fund up to a maximum of $500

You don't need to do anything to receive a LISTO payment. Just make sure your super fund has your TFN. The ATO calculates the entitlement and pays the rebate directly to the person’s super fund.

In 2025–26, people with incomes of $37,000 or less may be able to receive up to $500 paid back into their super through the LISTO. You may also be eligible for both LISTO and the super co-contribution in the same year.

From 1 July 2027, the LISTO income threshold will increase to $45,000.

6. Make contributions well before 30 June each year

Funds can take time to process contributions. Making contributions earlier reduces the risk of missing the cut‑off for that financial year.