Retirees who draw an account-based pension from their super need to be aware that the 50% reduction in the minimum pension drawdown rate for superannuation and annuities which applied for previous years will no longer apply from 1 July 2023.

This temporary measure was introduced by the previous Federal Government as part of its response to the Covid-19 pandemic, which was negatively impacting super and pension/annuity balances.

Most income streams paid from a super account held in an individual member’s name are account-based pensions. These pensions are required to meet minimum standards, including not being able to increase the capital supporting the pension using contributions or rollover amounts once the pension has commenced, and paying a minimum amount at least once a year,

In general, minimum payments need to be made at least once a year and are determined by the age of the beneficiary and the value of the account balance as at 1 July each year. For example, people aged between 65 and 74 will need to apply a 5% standard percentage factor to work out the minimum pension amount for 2023-24.

While the minimum annual payments are mandated, there are no maximum annual payments, except for transition to retirement pensions which have a maximum annual payment limit of 10% of the account balance at the start of each financial year. This means that retirees can draw a pension above the minimum pension payment amount, which may be especially welcome given the current cost of living pressures.