Australian retirement age – what to consider
While most of us dream of retiring early, there are a number of factors that play a part as to when we actually do. Some people may retire when they become eligible for the age pension, while others do so once they can access their super.
Once, it was normal to retire around the age of 55. But the right age is different for everyone. No matter what age you choose, a number of considerations are likely to go into your decision.
What is the average Australian retirement age?
According to The Australian Bureau of Statistics, the average Australian retirement age in Australia, is 55.4 years1. With the life expectancy2 of a 65-year-old now 85.3 years for men and 88 years for women, many of us can expect to be retired for a long time. Which means it’s important to think through how we are going to fund our retirement.
Will I be comfortable with a comfortable retirement?
The AFSA Retirement Standard3, published by the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA), provides a guide on the approximate income you may need for a modest or comfortable retirement.
The figures, which assume you own your own home outright and are relatively healthy, show a single person (aged 65) requires an annual income of $31,785 for a modest retirement lifestyle and $50,004 for a comfortable lifestyle. For a couple (around 65 years of age), the figures rise to $45,808 for a modest lifestyle and $70,482 for a comfortable lifestyle.
A modest retirement lifestyle is considered better than the age pension and means you can afford basic activities. A comfortable retirement lifestyle means you can be involved in a broad range of leisure and recreational activities to have a good standard of living. You will have the means to buy household goods, private health insurance, a reasonable car, good clothes, a range of electronic equipment and take holidays here and overseas. These guidelines are a good starting point to think through which category you want to be in to help determine how much money you need.
What is the Age pension and am I eligible?
The age pension helps some people to pay for the cost of living once they’ve retired. You need to be 66.5 or older and meet income and asset means tests to be eligible.
It’s important to note, the qualifying age for age pension is 67 years on 1 July 2023 for those who did not reach age 66.5 by 30 June 2023. The age you’ll be eligible to apply for age pension depends on your date of birth.
If you were born between |
You qualify at4 |
1 January 1954 to 30 June 1955 |
66 years |
1 July 1955 to 31 December 1956 |
66 years and six months |
From January 1957 |
67 years |
When can I access my super?
You can access your super when you reach your preservation age, which is anywhere between age 55 and 60 depending on your date of birth (see table below). In certain circumstances you can access your super benefits earlier than your preservation age, such as in cases of severe financial hardship or permanent disability5.
Date of birth |
Preservation age5 |
Before 1 July 1960 |
55 |
1 July 1960 to 30 June 1961 |
56 |
1 July 1961 to 30 June 1962 |
57 |
1 July 1962 to 30 June 1963 |
58 |
1 July 1963 to 30 June 1964 |
59 |
From 1 July 1964 |
60 |
Generally, there are three options to manage your super account once you retire. You can choose one of these options or a combination of the three. You can:
- Leave your money in your super account
By leaving your money in the accumulation phase of super, your retirement nest egg can continue to be invested, with investment earnings taxed at a maximum of 15%6.
- Start an income stream or pension
A pension gives you the comfort of a regular income payment. The investment earnings in the pension account are not subject to tax and the pension payments made to you are tax-free, provided you are 60 or older7.
- Withdraw cash from your super account
You can access your superannuation whenever you like once you have met a full condition of release, such as retiring after your preservation age. You don’t pay tax when you withdraw money from your super once you are 60 or over7.
Importantly, a proposal has been announced to reduce the superannuation tax concessions available to individuals whose total super balance exceeds $3 million. If passed, the changes will apply from 1 July 2025.
What else to consider
Managing finances and debts
The years before you retire are an opportunity to contribute more to your savings and plan any final contributions to boost your super.
While your super is likely to be a cornerstone of your post-work income, it doesn’t need to be the only piece of your retirement plan. Savings and investments outside super can also provide alternative financial resources.
Repaying as much of your debts as possible can make a big difference in retirement. While building your retirement savings, also consider a plan to proactively clear your debt by using any free cash flow to reduce the amount you owe to strengthen your financial position.
Transition to retirement
Stopping work
Being mentally prepared is important, whether you choose to gradually wind down work or take the plunge into full time retirement. You may need to learn to live on a reduced income. Or retirement may also come sooner than expected through redundancy. If you are made redundant, it’s a good idea to speak with a financial adviser to make the most of any payment you receive.
It’s also sensible to get a feel for what lies ahead by drawing up a retirement living budget. Try living on this level of income to see how well you manage. Whatever path you choose in retirement, the earlier you start planning the better. That’s the best way to ensure you have the best retirement possible.
Retiring this year? There are five things to consider, helping to ensure your retirement strategy is still the right one for your circumstances.
Next: Retirement age 45 or 65?
References
1 The Australian Bureau of Statistics, accessed 26/06/2023, https://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/6238.0
2 Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, accessed 26/06/2023, https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/life-expectancy-death/deaths-in-australia/contents/life-expectancy
3 ASFA, accessed 26/06/2023, https://www.superannuation.asn.au/resources/retirement-standard
4 Department of Social Services, accessed 26/06/2023, https://www.dss.gov.au/seniors/benefits-payments/age-pension
5 Australian Taxation Office, accessed 8/08/2023, https://www.ato.gov.au/Individuals/Super/Withdrawing-and-using-your-super/Super-withdrawal-options/
6 ATO, accessed 8/08/2023, https://www.ato.gov.au/Individuals/Super/Withdrawing-and-using-your-super/Tax-on-super-benefits/#Taxonsuperdeathbenefits
7 ASIC’s Money Smart site, accessed 26/06/2023, https://moneysmart.gov.au/how-super-works/tax-and-super
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This information is current as at 1 July 2023
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