​​A super co-contribution is a payment made by the Australian Government to reward low or middle-income earners who save for their retirement.

If you're a low or middle-income earner and make personal (after-tax) contributions to your super fund, the government may also make a contribution (called a co-contribution) up to a maximum amount of $500.

The super co-contribution is based on your income and the personal contributions you make to your super in the relevant financial year. A personal contribution is a contribution to super from an after-tax income.

What contributions qualify for super co-contribution?

Personal (non-concessional) contributions to the following RBF schemes are eligible for super co-contribution:

• Contributory Scheme;
• State Fire Commission Superannuation Scheme; and
• Tasmanian Ambulance Services Superannuation Scheme.

The following super payments do NOT qualify:

• super payments made by your employer;
• salary sacrifice (pre-tax) contributions to any scheme;
• contributions for which a tax deduction has been claimed by a person who is self employed; and
• contributions made into your super by your spouse or another person.

Where can I get more information about the super co-contribution?

Conditions and limits are subject to legislative change and you should obtain up-to-date information about the Government super co-contribution from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) by visiting their website https://www.ato.gov.au/individuals/super/in-detail/growing-your-super/super-co-contribution/​​or contact the ATO on 13 10 20. The ATO super co-contribution calculator will work out how much super co-contribution you may receive.

How do I make personal contributions to RBF?

As a defined benefits member, you can elect to make personal contributions.  To do so, simply complete the 'Election to vary contributions' form appropriate to your scheme if you would like a regular payroll deduction. Once completed, return this form to your payroll department or RBF as instructed on the form.