The Finance Algorithm

Super Co-contribution Calculator

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

Updated October 2026Built and checked by MaverickHow it's calculatedReport an error

Your numbers

Updates as you type
$
$45k

Salary + reportable fringe benefits + reportable super contributions

$
$1k

Non-concessional contribution from your take-home pay

The button asks our AI to explain these figures in words.

Super co-contribution

Your entitlement

$500

Max possible: $500

Status

Eligible

Match rate

50%

Up to lower threshold $49,293

100% of the $500 maximum

The lower threshold is $49,293 and the upper threshold $64,293.

$500govt match

What the government would add at different contribution levels

50c for each dollar of personal after-tax contributions, up to $500 at your income.

$100$200gov adds $100$250$500gov adds $250$500$1,000gov adds $500$500$2,000gov adds $500
On these figures the co-contribution would be about $500. How it's paid: there is nothing to apply for. Once you lodge your tax return and your fund reports the contribution, the ATO works out the amount and pays it into your super.

How it works

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.

  1. 1Enter your total income for the financial year.
  2. 2Enter the amount of after-tax money you have contributed or plan to contribute.
  3. 3See if you are eligible and calculate your estimated co-contribution.
  4. 4Check how much more you need to contribute to get the maximum entitlement.

The figures today

Across 50 MySuper products, the typical return over the ten years to 30 June 2026 was 8.0% a year after fees and tax, and the typical fee on a $50,000 balance was $408 a year, from APRA's data.

Worked examples

Maximum Entitlement

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

Total income (before tax)
$42,000
Personal contribution (after tax)
$1,000

Jamie's income is below the lower threshold of $49,293, so the government adds 50c for each of the 1,000 dollars: the full $500.

Partial Entitlement

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

Total income (before tax)
$50,000
Personal contribution (after tax)
$1,000

Sam is $707 over the lower threshold, which takes about $24 off the $500 maximum. Sam would receive $476.

Questions people ask

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.

The terms, in plain English

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.

Official sources