Drawing on super doesn’t necessarily mean stopping work (October 2026)

Many people assume that once they start drawing on their super, there’s a limit on how much they can earn from part-time or casual work. For self-funded retirees, that’s generally not the case.

If you’re not receiving the Age Pension or another means-tested government payment, there’s generally no cap on what you can earn simply because you’re drawing an income from your super. Any wages you earn are still taxed in the usual way, but receiving super benefits doesn’t automatically restrict your ability to work.

The more important question is whether you’ve met a condition of release that allows you to access your super in the first place. For example, many people can access their super once they reach age 65, regardless of whether they’re still working. People aged between 60 and 64 may also be able to access their super if they’ve retired or met another condition of release.

Many people over 60 receive super benefits tax-free from a taxed super fund, while any employment income they earn continues to be taxed under the ordinary income tax rules.

If you’re drawing on your super and thinking about returning to work, or reducing your hours rather than retiring completely, it’s worth checking how the rules apply to your circumstances before making decisions.