Can I go back to work if I’ve already accessed my super?

Nick McKenna • June 11, 2025

Smiling man in blue shirt, possibly a farmer, standing in front of a banana display.

Generally, you can, but there may be other things to consider.

When you access your super at retirement, depending on your age and personal circumstances, your super fund may ask you to sign a declaration stating you intend to never return to work again. However, there could be compelling reasons as to why you might go back in the future.

Figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics reveal financial necessity and boredom are the most common factors prompting retirees back into full or part-time employment1. Whatever your motivations might be, if it’s something you’re considering, there are things you should be aware of.

What is your situation?

I reached my preservation age and declared retirement

If you reached your preservation age and declared you’d permanently retired, this would typically have given you unlimited access to your super.

Your intention to retire must have been genuine at the time, which is why your super fund may have asked you to sign a declaration stating your intent.

Depending on your circumstances, you also may be required to prove your intention to retire was genuine to the Australian Taxation Office.

I stopped an employment arrangement after I turned 60

From age 60, you can stop an employment arrangement and don’t have to make any declaration about your retirement or future employment intentions, while gaining full access to your super.

If you’re in this situation, as there was no requirement for you to declare your retirement permanently, you can return to work without any issues.

I’m aged 65 or older

When you turn 65, you don’t have to be retired or satisfy any special conditions to get unlimited access to your super savings, so regardless of whether you’re accessing super or not, you can return to work if you choose to.

What happens to your super if you return to work?

Regardless of which group (above) you fall into, you may have taken your super as a lump sum, income stream or potentially even a bit of both.

If you chose to withdraw a regular income stream from your super savings and are wondering whether you can continue to access these periodic payments, the answer is yes you can – and that’s irrespective of whether you return to full or part-time work.

What are the rules around future super contributions?

Unless you plan on being self employed and paying your own super, your employer is required to make super contributions to a fund on your behalf at the rate of 11.5% of your earnings.

This means you can continue to build your retirement savings via compulsory contributions paid by your employer and/or voluntary contributions you make yourself.

Note, once you reach age 75, you’re generally ineligible to make voluntary contributions (unless they’re downsizer contributions), while compulsory contributions paid by an employer under the super guarantee (if you’re an employee) can still be paid no matter how old you are.

Could returning to work affect your age pension?

If you’re receiving a full or part age pension from the Government, you’d be aware that Centrelink applies an income test and an assets test to determine how much you get paid.

Your super, as well as any new employment income will be considered as part of this assessment, so make sure you’re aware of whether earnings from returning to work could impact your age pension entitlements.

If you’re eligible, the Work Bonus scheme reduces the amount of employment income or eligible self employment income, which Centrelink applies to your rate of age pension entitlement under the income test.

Where can you go if you need a bit of help?

For information and tips around re-entering the workforce, check out the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations website, which includes a Mature Age Hub, as well as details around the government’s New Business Assistance for those looking to become self employed.

There are also websites like Older Workers and Seeking Seniors, which focus specifically on mature age candidates.

If you have further questions on how a return to work could impact you, speak to your financial adviser.

1 ABS - Retirement and Retirement Intentions, Australia

Source: AMP

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Understanding longevity risk in retirement

By Nick McKenna • October 28, 2025

Australians are living longer than ever before due to a combination of factors including improved healthcare, better living conditions and over all better quality of life. With this longevity comes the challenge of ensuring financial security throughout a longer retirement. Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) shows that life expectancy at birth is now 81.1 years for males and 85.1 years for females1. Despite the increases in these averages, many Australians will live well beyond these ages, making planning for your retirement income more important than ever. What is longevity risk? Longevity risk refers to the possibility of outliving your savings. Living longer allows you to enjoy the fruits of life for longer but it also means planning carefully to ensure your savings last as long as you do. For Australian retirees, this is especially important, as the Age Pension alone may not be enough to cover all living expenses over an extended period. According to the Challenger Retirement Happiness Index2, 72% of Australians aged 60+ report that the rising cost of living has adversely impacted their financial security, with 34% admitting the impact was significant. This highlights the importance of planning for longevity risk to maintain financial confidence in retirement. Building financial security for the future To ensure a comfortable and secure retirement, it’s important to take proactive steps to manage longevity risk. Here are some key considerations: 1. Understand how long your retirement savings may last Knowing how long you might live can help you plan your finances to last throughout retirement. Factors like health, lifestyle and family history can play a role in estimating life expectancy. 2. Understand your income sources Retirement income can come from a mix of sources, including the Age Pension, superannuation, personal savings and investments. For many Australians, the Age Pension alone may not be enough to cover all living expenses, especially if superannuation or other savings run out. Adding a source of regular income such as a lifetime annuity to your retirement income plan can help you manage the risk of outliving your savings. By using some of your super or other money to set up a lifetime income stream, you could create an additional layer of secure income that complements the Age Pension, if you are eligible. This approach helps to provide peace of mind by ensuring you have a regular source of income that can cover essential needs throughout your life. This can form part of a comprehensive retirement income plan. 3. Use planning tools and resources Make a budget The Age Pension is a key safety net for many Australians. Consider how it works, including eligibility and its role alongside superannuation and lifetime income streams. For personalised guidance to help you make informed decisions about your finances, consider accessing free services like the Financial Information Service (FIS) offered by Services Australia or see a Financial Adviser. The benefits of financial security Financial security can transform retirement into a time of freedom and fulfilment, allowing retirees to focus on what truly matters. With a lifetime income stream you can enjoy meaningful activities like traveling, pursuing hobbies or spending quality time with loved ones without the stress of financial uncertainty. The Challenger Retirement Happiness Index2 reveals that 41% of Australians aged 60+ see "having enough money to enjoy retirement" as essential for happiness, while 33% value knowing their money will last. This financial confidence provides the foundation for a retirement filled with confidence, happiness and peace of mind. Planning for a confident retirement A well thought out retirement plan provides the confidence to enjoy life without the constant worry of running out of money. By understanding longevity risk and taking proactive steps, you can feel more confident that your retirement income will last as long as you do. Source: Challenger