If retirement is on the horizon, you’ve probably heard about an account-based pension (also known as an allocated pension) as one of the income stream options available. 
We’ve answered some of the commonly asked questions about account-based pensions to help you navigate your way.
What is an account-based pension?
An account-based pension is a regular income stream drawn from your superannuation savings. Typically you can access your super once you’ve reached preservation age.
Your preservation age will be between 55 and 60 depending on when you were born. You can find out your preservation age here.
It’s also worth noting that as account-based pensions are based on the amount you have saved in your super they do not guarantee an income for life. If you want to ensure you don’t outlast your money, our super simulator and retirement simulator can help.
Are there limitations to how much money I can withdraw?
Typically, there is no limit to how much you can withdraw from an account-based pension. So, in addition to receiving periodic income stream payments, you can choose to withdraw some or all of your money as a lump sum.
Each year however you’ll need to withdraw a minimum amount. This figure is calculated based on your age and will be a percentage of your account balance. The table below shows you just how much.
| Age | Yearly minimum withdrawal |
|---|---|
| 55-64 | 4% |
| 65-74 | 5% |
| 75-79 | 6% |
| 80-84 | 7% |
| 85-89 | 9% |
| 90-94 | 11% |
| 95+ | 14% |
How does a transition to retirement pension differ?
With a transition to retirement pension you can usually only withdraw periodic payments from your super savings. However, you can do so while working full time, part time or casually once you’ve reached your preservation age.
If you are reducing your work hours this can make up for a reduction in wages.
If you’re still working full time however, there could be a range of tax advantages worth discussing with us.
Unlike an account-based pension you don’t usually have the option to withdraw your super as a lump sum. And while there’s still a 4 per cent minimum you must withdraw each year, with a transition to retirement pension the maximum you can draw is 10 per cent each year.
What taxes will I pay on an account-based pension?
- You will not be taxed on investment earnings within your fund
- From the age of 60 you will not pay tax on pension payments you receive
- If you’re between age 55 and 60, the taxable portion of your account-based pension will be taxed at your marginal tax rate less a 15 per cent tax offset.
Whether an account-based pension is tax effective will depend on your individual circumstances.
Tax implications need consideration and to seek advice from an expert, please contact us on PH: 1300 661 551.
Can I also receive the government’s Age Pension?
It is possible to have an account-based pension and receive the government’s Age Pension. The value of various assets you have can determine whether you’re eligible for the Age Pension. And your income can then affect the amount you receive in Age Pension payments, if you are eligible.
Account-based pensions are generally subject to the deeming rules for income test purposes, which means they are assessed the same way as financial assets (like cash, shares and managed funds). Under these rules all financial investments are assumed to earn a certain rate of income regardless of how much income is actually generated.
The benefit of this is that when Centrelink assesses eligibility for Age Pension payments and other government benefits for those with an account-based pension, the level of income payments received from the account-based pension may be higher than the amount that is classified assessable income under the income test.
Please contact us on PH: 1300 661 551 or info@paradigmadvice.com.au for more information.
Source: AMP 22 December 2015
© AMP Life Limited. This provides general information and hasn’t taken your circumstances into account. It’s important to consider your particular circumstances before deciding what’s right for you. Although the information is from sources considered reliable, AMP does not guarantee that it is accurate or complete. You should not rely upon it and should seek qualified advice before making any investment decision. Except where liability under any statute cannot be excluded, AMP does not accept any liability (whether under contract, tort or otherwise) for any resulting loss or damage of the reader or any other person.
