Will the government put $500 into your super?
If you earn under the threshold and put in some of your own money after tax, the government adds to it. You do not apply: the ATO works it out from your tax return.
$500
the maximum government co-contribution, for someone under the lower income threshold who puts in $1,000 of their own after-tax money
What this is
The super co-contribution is money the government adds to your super when you make a personal after-tax contribution and your income is under the threshold. At the maximum it is 500 dollars for a 1,000 dollar contribution. You do not apply for it: the ATO works out your entitlement from your tax return and your fund's reporting, and pays it into your fund.
Does it apply to you?
- People earning under the lower income threshold, which is indexed each year
- People who get at least 10 per cent of their income from employment or business
- Anyone under 71 at the end of the financial year
How to do it
- Check the current income thresholds on the ATO page. They are indexed every year, so last year's numbers are not this year's.
- The contribution has to be a personal after-tax one, made to your own fund before 30 June, and you must not claim a tax deduction for it.
- Lodge your tax return. The ATO calculates it and pays it into your fund; there is no form.
- You also have to pass the work test on eligible income and be under 71 at the end of the year.
Where people lose the money
Claiming a tax deduction for the contribution.
A contribution you claim a deduction for becomes concessional and does not attract the co-contribution. It has to stay an after-tax contribution.
Contributing after 30 June.
It has to be received by your fund within the financial year, and funds need processing time. Late June is already late.
Using last year's income thresholds.
They are indexed and generally updated each February. Check the current year before you contribute.
Questions
Do I have to apply?
No. Lodge your tax return and the ATO calculates and pays it. There is no form.
When does it arrive?
After your return is processed and your fund has reported the contribution, so typically some months after the end of the financial year.
Can I get the money out?
Not until you meet a condition of release. It is superannuation and the usual preservation rules apply.
Where these numbers come from
- ATO, Super co-contribution · read 2026-09-22
Last gone over 2026-09-22. Figures change; the link above is always the current one.
Published by Income Lab, Melbourne. Responsible for this page: Jarred Krowitz.