How do I claim the co-contribution?

You don't need to apply. Just lodge your tax return as normal. If you've made a personal contribution and your super fund has reported it, the ATO will calculate your eligibility and pay it directly to your super fund.

Does salary sacrifice count?

No. Salary sacrifice is a pre-tax contribution. The co-contribution only applies to non-concessional (after-tax) contributions.

§ Tool · tier 1 · independent

Super Co-contribution Calculator.

Check your eligibility for the government super co-contribution scheme and see how much you could receive.

CalculatorFree, no signupOn-deviceupd May 2026

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The government super co-contribution is a scheme to help low and middle-income earners save for retirement. If you earn under the high-income threshold and make a personal (after-tax) contribution to your super fund, the government may match up to 50 cents for every dollar you contribute, up to a maximum of $500.

§ Worked examples

Real-world scenarios

Maximum Entitlement

Jamie earns $42,000 and contributes $1,000 after-tax.

Since Jamie earns below the lower threshold ($45,400), the government matches 50% of the $1,000 contribution. Jamie receives the full $500 max co-contribution.

Partial Entitlement

Sam earns $50,000 and contributes $1,000.

Sam is above the lower threshold but below the higher one. The max entitlement reduces from $500 to roughly $346. Sam will receive $346.

§ FAQ

Questions Australians ask

§ Glossary

Plain-English definitions

Non-concessional Contribution

A contribution made from your after-tax income (e.g., executing a transfer from your bank account to your super fund).

Total Income

For co-contribution purposes, this includes assessable income, reportable fringe benefits, and reportable employer super contributions.

10% Test

To be eligible, 10% or more of your total income must come from employment-related activities or carrying on a business.

§ Pair it with

Related tools

Salary Sacrifice Calculator

Compare this strategy with salary sacrifice tax benefits.

Super Balance Projector

See the long term effect of these extra contributions.

How to use

01Enter your total income for the financial year.
02Enter the amount of after-tax money you have contributed or plan to contribute.
03See if you are eligible and calculate your estimated co-contribution.
04Check how much more you need to contribute to get the maximum entitlement.

Key info

You must earn less than the higher income threshold ($60,400 for 2024-25) to be eligible.
You must be under 71 years old at the end of the financial year.
You must pass the 10% eligible income test (10% of income from employment or business).
You must lodge a tax return for the year to receive the payment.

Pro tips

If you're close to the threshold, try to estimate your income accurately.
Spouse contributions don't count towards the co-contribution.
Make sure your fund has your TFN, otherwise they cannot accept the payment.

Avoid these

Confusing salary sacrifice (pre-tax) with personal contributions (after-tax). Only after-tax counts.
Leaving contributions until June 30 - funds may not process them in time.
Thinking you're ineligible just because you work part-time or casual.

Disclaimer: Estimates only. Interest rates, fees and policies change frequently. Always verify with lenders directly. General information, not personal financial advice.

Last updated · May 2026