Median Net Worth and Super Balances Analysis
Median Net Worth (ABS)(FS) (PDF)
Median Net Worth (AI) (PDF)
Median Super Balances (AI) (PDF)
Grattan Institute Budget (2025) (Site)(Median Salary)
Median Super Balance Assessment (AI) (PDF)
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Additional References:
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Age Pension:
Your primary residence is exempt from the assets test
Super is ignored before 67 and fully counted after 67
The assets test is the main determinant of pension eligibility
Downsizing can reduce or cancel the pension if cash is freed up
Trusts and companies are assessed based on control (attribution rules)
Net‑worth cut‑off amounts (assets test upper thresholds):
Single (homeowner $722,000 / non‑homeowner $980,000)
Couple homeowners (combined): $1,085,000
Couple non‑homeowners (combined): $1,343,000
Age Pension payment rates (maximum):
Single: $1,200.90 per fortnight (annualised 31.2K)
Couple (each): $905.20 per fortnight (annualised 23.5K)
Couple (combined): $1,810.40 per fortnight (annualised 47.1K)
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What a Full Account‑Based Pension Is
A full account‑based pension is when you convert your super from accumulation phase into pension phase after meeting a condition of release (usually retirement or turning 65).
It becomes your primary retirement income stream.
Key features:
Your money stays invested
You receive regular payments (like a salary)
All payments are tax‑free after age 60
Investment earnings inside the pension account are tax‑free
You can withdraw as much as you want, anytime
You must withdraw at least the minimum drawdown % each year
It is the most tax‑advantaged structure in the entire Australian system.
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Australian resident tax rates 2020–26
0 – $18,200 / Nil
We’re only showing range 0 - $18.2K as we’ll be focusing on Nil when we’re officially retired. 18.2Kx2=36.4K (combined) Tax Free since Super is tax free by age 60 and meet condition of release.
ATO Tax Rates (Site)
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ATO on SAPTO (Site)
Can be confusing when looking at both SAPTO and Age Pension as they’re interdependent, but negatively correlated as Age Pension is primarily assets based, and SAPTO is primarily income based.
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