Spouse contributions

How do you join?

If your spouse receives a low, or no, income, then as a CONNECT member you can make super contributions on their behalf. If you make spouse contributions you can get a tax rebate of up to $540 a year if your spouse's income is below $13,800 a year (or 18% of the first $3,000 of contributions). You can even make contributions if you don't qualify for a rebate.

Also, if you're worried you'll exceed your Reasonable Benefit Limit, spouse contributions are a way of obtaining further super for you as a couple. Your spouse will enjoy tax benefits by saving through a super fund if they receive a low (or no) income. Not only savings on income tax, but also on the benefit when it is finally taken. And the super could be used to purchase an allocated pension in retirement, which can be a very tax-effective income stream.

Who is a spouse?

Basically, 'spouse' means a person who lives with you as your husband or wife, not just someone sharing the same premises. You needn't be married. According to Government legislation, a spouse does not include same sex partners.

When you cease employment your benefit remains in CONNECT and continues to earn returns, and you can continue making spouse contributions as long as you have an investment in CONNECT.

If you and your spouse separate you can't make any more contributions for your spouse and the contributions you have made will always belong to your spouse.