The following superannuation update has been provided by Child Care Super, ACA's national superannuation partner. You can read about this partnership here.
The Government has made changes to superannuation which could have a major impact on people under 25.
The changes, which come into effect on 1 April 2020, aim to ensure that young Australians' superannuation balances are not unnecessarily eroded by insurance premiums.
The new reforms mean that superannuation providers can only provide life insurance on an 'opt-in' basis to:
a) members who are under 25 and begin to hold anew superannuation account from 1 April 2020; and
b) members whose superannuation balance has not been $6,000 or more from 1 November 2019.
This means that superannuation providers will be required to ‘turn off’ insurance cover on 1 April 2020 for members whose account balances have not been $6,000 or more from 1 November 2019.
Benefits of life insurance through your super
The benefits of insurance cover through super include:
- discounted bulk insurance rates for members;
- insurance premiums are deducted from your super account each month, not your take-home pay.
Some things to consider:
- Do you have a partner or dependants who rely on your income?
- Do you need to pay your mortgage or any other debts such as, education, child care and living expenses?
If you do, and are affected by the changes, you may wish to keep your cover.
How to elect to keep your insurance cover
Child Care Super will be writing to affected members giving them the opportunity to keep their insurance cover – so remember to open any emails or letters you get from the Fund.
Your life insurance cover continues until it is turned off.
Your rights to be covered by insurance remain unaffected until the end of the period for which premiums have been charged or the expiry date of the term of your insurance contract.
Unsure whether to take action?
Child Care Super members have access to over-thephone advice about their super, including advice on insurance, at no extra cost.
If you would like help, you can arrange an appointment by calling 1800 060 215.
