Superannuation is not something we usually give a great deal of thought to, particularly if retirement is 10 years or more away. But perhaps it is worth investing a few moments to consider some recent changes, particularly if you have one or more super accounts that have become inactive.

When the government talks about a super account being inactive, they are generally referring to an account that has not received contributions or rollovers from another super fund in the previous 16 months. That is an important number to keep in mind.

If you have a close look at your super account statement, you may notice that insurance premiums are being deducted. This happens because many superannuation funds are required to provide a level of default life insurance cover.

In last year’s Federal Budget, the government announced changes to super that were designed to stop the erosion of super balances by fees, charges and unnecessary insurance premiums.

One important change that is due to take effect from 1 July 2019 relates to insurance for inactive account holders.

Where a member of a superannuation fund has an inactive account, that is, the account has not received contributions or rollovers from other super funds within the previous 16 months, the fund will be prevented from offering or maintaining insurance for the member.

This means that super fund members may lose valuable insurance protection.

The legislation places some onerous conditions on trustees of super funds.

Firstly, where insurance is already in place within a choice or MySuper product, the trustees of the fund are required to identify, as at 1 April 2019, member accounts that have been inactive for a period of more than 6 months. They must write to each member before 1 May 2019 advising the insurance will be discontinued from 1 July 2019, but that cover may be continued if the member wishes, and setting out the manner in which the member can opt-in to retain their insurance.

Secondly, trustees must inform members of their fund on an ongoing basis when an account has been inactive for nine months, then again at 12 months and 15 months.  

If a member wishes to maintain their insurance cover within their super fund, they will need to take proactive steps to ensure it is retained. This may be done by making a contribution, rolling over a benefit from another super fund, or simply instructing the super fund, in writing, that they wish to retain their insurance cover. This is referred to as ‘opting-in’. Insurance is vitally important for many people.

It is worth taking time to review the various super accounts you have with particular reference to the insurance that you may have. If you no longer need the insurance, then asking your super fund to cancel it may help prevent the erosion of your super balance. However, if you need the insurance, taking steps to ensure it is maintained.

Source:  Peter Kelly | Centrepoint Alliance