What is the super co-contribution?

The super co-contribution is a government payment made directly into your super fund when you make personal (after-tax) contributions and your total income is below the threshold ($60,400 for 2025-26). The government matches 50 cents for every dollar you contribute, up to a maximum of $500 per financial year. It is designed to help low and middle-income earners boost their retirement savings.

How much can I get from the super co-contribution?

The maximum government co-contribution is $500 per financial year. To receive the full $500, you need to earn $45,400 or less (for 2025-26) and make at least $1,000 in personal non-concessional super contributions. If your income is between $45,400 and $60,400, the maximum co-contribution reduces progressively. For every dollar of income above $45,400, the maximum co-contribution decreases by 3.333 cents.

Do I need to apply for the super co-contribution?

No, you do not need to apply. The ATO automatically determines your eligibility when you lodge your tax return. If you are eligible and have made personal non-concessional super contributions during the financial year, the ATO will pay the co-contribution directly into your super fund. You should ensure your super fund has your tax file number (TFN) on record so the ATO can process the payment.

Who is eligible for the super co-contribution?

To be eligible for the super co-contribution, you must: earn less than $60,400 in total income (for 2025-26), make one or more personal non-concessional (after-tax) super contributions during the financial year, lodge a tax return for that year, have at least 10% of your total income from eligible employment or business, be under age 71 at the end of the financial year, not hold a temporary visa, and have a total super balance below the transfer balance cap ($1.9 million).

Super Co-Contribution Calculator

Find out how much free money the government will add to your super. Enter your income and planned personal contribution to see your estimated co-contribution.

Last verified: 1 July 2025

How much is the super co-contribution in 2025-26?

The Government matches 50c per $1 of personal after-tax super contributions, up to $500/year. The full $500 is available for incomes up to $45,400 (with at least $1,000 of personal contributions), tapering by 3.333c per extra $1 of income to $0 at $60,400. No application needed — the ATO pays it into your super after you lodge your return, as long as you made a personal non-concessional contribution that year and your super fund has your TFN on file. Source: Australian Taxation Office.

Worked examples. $35,000 income, $1,000 personal contribution → $500 co-contribution (a 50% instant return on $1,000). $50,000 income, $1,000 contribution → max reduces to 3.333c × ($50,000 − $45,400) = ~$347, so co-contribution = ~$347. $55,000 income, $500 contribution → match is 50c × $500 = $250, but capped by the income-test max (~$180) → ~$180 co-contribution. Must be under 71 and have less than $1.9M total super balance.

General information and estimates only — not financial, tax, or legal advice. Always verify with a licensed adviser or the ATO.

Super Co-Contribution Calculator

How much is the super co-contribution in 2025-26?

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