In a major boost for Australia’s low-income workforce, the federal government has officially launched the Superannuation Top-Up Scheme, offering an $1,800 bonus to eligible workers with their June 2025 tax return. This initiative is aimed at helping Australians on lower wages grow their retirement savings through co-contribution incentives and automatic super top-ups during tax assessment.
With superannuation gaps widening due to part-time employment, casual work, and disrupted income during recent economic shifts, this targeted scheme is designed to encourage voluntary super contributions while rewarding workers who continue to build retirement wealth despite limited earnings. It also forms part of the government’s broader national strategy to ensure more Australians retire with dignity and financial security.
What Is the Superannuation Top-Up Scheme?
The Superannuation Top-Up Scheme provides a government-funded bonus of up to $1,800 to eligible low-income workers who make personal after-tax contributions to their super account. It is part of the Super Co-Contribution Program that is now being automatically integrated with 2025 tax return filings.
Key features of the scheme:
- Maximum $1,800 bonus for individuals with income under $45,000
- Government matches up to 50 cents per $1 of voluntary contributions made (up to $3,600)
- Paid directly into the worker’s super fund after ATO tax assessment
- Applies for the 2024–2025 financial year and processed post-lodgement in June–August 2025
Important info:
- You must have made at least one personal super contribution during FY 2024–25
- The scheme does not require a separate application—it’s processed automatically through the ATO
Who Is Eligible for the $1,800 Super Bonus?
Eligibility for the superannuation top-up depends on both income and contribution activity throughout the financial year. Workers must meet a set of criteria tied to earnings, age, and residency.
Eligibility criteria include:
- Annual income below $57,016 (full bonus for those earning under $45,400)
- Made a personal super contribution (non-concessional) from after-tax income
- At least 10% of income earned from work or business
- Must be under 71 years of age at the end of the financial year
- Must not have held a temporary visa during the financial year
- Total superannuation balance under $1.9 million as of June 30, 2025
Exclusions apply to:
- Self-employed individuals who made no voluntary contribution
- Those who claimed the tax deduction for their super contribution (deductible contributions are not eligible)
- High-income earners or people with employer-only super contributions
Breakdown of Super Co-Contribution by Income Range
To clarify the benefit structure, here’s a breakdown of how the government co-contribution rate adjusts based on income:
| Income Bracket (FY 2024–25) | Max Government Contribution | Personal Contribution Required | Co-Contribution Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| $0 – $45,400 | $1,800 | $3,600 | 50 cents per $1 |
| $45,401 – $50,000 | $1,400 | $3,600 | Phased down |
| $50,001 – $53,000 | $950 | $3,600 | Phased down |
| $53,001 – $55,000 | $500 | $3,600 | Phased down |
| $55,001 – $57,016 | $200 | $3,600 | Minimum phase-out |
| Over $57,016 | Ineligible | N/A | N/A |
Note: Any contributions made must be non-concessional (from post-tax income) and recorded with your super fund before June 30.
How to Claim the Super Top-Up With Your June Tax Filing
The process to access the $1,800 super top-up is integrated into the normal ATO tax return system. No separate form or application is required if contributions are properly reported.
Step-by-step to ensure eligibility:
- Make sure your super fund received your personal contribution before June 30, 2025
- Lodge your 2024–25 tax return via myGov or a registered tax agent from July 1, 2025
- ATO will automatically assess eligibility during processing
- If eligible, the co-contribution will be paid directly into your super fund
- You’ll receive confirmation via myGov inbox once the bonus is paid
Tips to improve success:
- Label contributions as “personal after-tax” with your super fund
- Double-check contribution dates and fund acknowledgment
- Use ATO’s Super Co-Contribution Calculator to estimate your potential bonus
State-Wise Snapshot: Estimated Eligible Workers and Average Bonus
Different states will see varying numbers of eligible recipients depending on income profiles and workforce participation trends.
| State/Territory | Estimated Eligible Workers | Average Bonus Per Person | High-Impact Sectors |
|---|---|---|---|
| New South Wales | 540,000 | $1,300 | Retail, Aged Care, Hospitality |
| Victoria | 470,000 | $1,280 | Cleaning, Health Support, Education |
| Queensland | 410,000 | $1,260 | Tourism, Farming, Food Services |
| Western Australia | 280,000 | $1,300 | Mining Services, Retail, Admin |
| South Australia | 220,000 | $1,250 | Disability Services, Trades |
| Tasmania | 95,000 | $1,200 | Hospitality, Social Work |
| Australian Capital Territory | 60,000 | $1,310 | Education, Healthcare |
| Northern Territory | 50,000 | $1,280 | Government Support, Outreach |
Takeaway: The scheme is expected to inject over $1.8 billion into super funds for low-income workers nationwide.
Additional Benefits of Super Contributions
Aside from the co-contribution bonus, making voluntary contributions to super can significantly improve your long-term retirement outcome.
Other key benefits include:
- Tax-free investment growth within your super account
- Compound returns that grow over time, even with small deposits
- Greater flexibility in retirement planning and pension access
- Eligibility for spouse contribution offsets and carry-forward provisions
Remember: Contributions made before June 30 have the greatest effect on your financial year outcomes.
FAQs for Superannuation Top-Up Scheme
Q1: Do I need to apply separately for the $1,800 bonus?
A: No. If you meet all criteria and your contribution is reported, the ATO will automatically process your co-contribution with your tax return.
Q2: Can I contribute to super and still claim this bonus if I have multiple jobs?
A: Yes, as long as your total income stays under the eligibility threshold and at least 10% comes from work or business.
Q3: What if I made concessional contributions instead?
A: Only non-concessional (after-tax) contributions are eligible. Claiming a tax deduction disqualifies you from receiving the co-contribution.
Q4: When will the bonus actually be paid into my account?
A: Typically within 6–8 weeks of your tax return being processed, usually by August 2025.
Q5: How can I track if I received the co-contribution?
A: You will get a confirmation via your myGov account, and your super fund will list it as a government contribution on your member statement.
Q6: Are students or part-time workers eligible?
A: Yes, if they meet the income and work-related criteria and make a personal contribution.
Q7: Will this affect my Centrelink payments?
A: No. Super co-contributions are not considered income for Centrelink purposes.
The Superannuation Top-Up Scheme is a game-changing opportunity for low-income Australian workers to increase their retirement savings with the help of a $1,800 government bonus, all through a simple tax filing process. With cost-of-living pressures affecting future financial security, this targeted support offers both immediate and long-term value. Eligible individuals are encouraged to make voluntary super contributions before June 30, 2025, and lodge their tax return early to benefit from this generous incentive.
