your retirement, your rules

Getting every dollar due to you is the key to doing things your way

You've spent decades contributing, caring and planning. Now it's your turn — to live retirement exactly as you imagined it, not as someone else thinks it should look.

But we know that "enjoying your money" is easier said than done. Many HESTA Income Stream members tell us they hold back, worried about drawing down too much, unsure whether they're getting every pension dollar they're entitled to or simply wanting to protect their balance while markets feel uncertain.
 

Getting the balance right for you

When it comes to your Income Stream withdrawals, there's more flexibility than you might think. Drawing a little more each year won't necessarily mean running out. It may simply mean living better, sooner, while you're most able to enjoy it.

To help you see the bigger picture, the MoneySmart account-based pension calculator on moneysmart.gov.au lets you model different withdrawal levels and see how long your super could last under each scenario. The numbers might just surprise you.

And you can check your thinking with our dedicated advice team. A quick conversation with them can help you make confident choices about your income, including when things change. They’ve helped our members through a lot of different scenarios, so no matter how long you’ve been retired, they’ll be ready to support you.
 

Help applying for (and keeping) the Age Pension

The Age Pension can be a key part of retirement income for most Australians, working hand in hand with super to balance your budget and give you more security and freedom. As you might know, Age Pension payments are adjusted twice a year (in March and September). In good news, from 20 March 2026, the Age Pension increased by up to $22.20 per fortnight for singles, and $33.40 combined for couples.

Not sure if you’re eligible? If you haven't applied, or may not be receiving your full entitlement, now is a great time to check. Delaying your application could mean missing out on thousands extra per year. The great news is, we can help you get the ball rolling.

HESTA’s expert team can help you calculate your expected retirement income and how long your savings could last. Request a call back.

As a HESTA member, you can also get support directly from Retirement Essentials: experts in helping people apply for and retain the Age Pension. They can guide you through the whole process.

The best way to start is by using their free Age Pension Eligibility Calculator to work out if you could be eligible for the Age Pension, and how much you could receive.

And as deeming rates are also going up from 1 July 2026, getting a clear line of sight on the net (after-tax) impact on your income is going to be super valuable. 

Another great benefit of checking on your assets and income sources: in a shifting economic climate, a drop in markets could mean changes in your Age Pension entitlements. While Centrelink will normally re-value your assessable assets six monthly (in March and September), you can ask for a re-valuation at any time, which could deliver a higher Age Pension rate for you during a market downturn.
 

Renters: are you accessing all the entitlements you're eligible for?

Renting in retirement can mean feeling the pressure of rising housing costs. But if you’re getting the Age Pension, you may also be eligible for Rent Assistance through Centrelink.

Retirement Essentials can help you find out if you’re leaving money on the table that could be easing your weekly budget.    
 

Homeowners: could downsizing help you upsize your lifestyle?

If you've built up equity in your home over the years, downsizing could be a smart way to boost your super and give yourself more financial freedom in retirement. Through the Federal Government's downsizer scheme, eligible Australians aged 55 and over can contribute up to $300,000 — or $600,000 for couples — from a home sale directly into super, outside of regular contributions caps. You can make downsizer contributions even if you're retired, meaning you can still make a significant and tax-effective difference to your super.

That's more money to live retirement on your own terms.

It's a decision worth taking seriously, as it can affect your Age Pension and Centrelink benefits. We strongly recommend speaking with our expert advice team before making any moves. Reach out today to find out if downsizing could work for you.
 

You've earned this. We can help you make the most of it.

Ready to take the next step?

• Join a free information session: a practical, no-pressure way to explore your retirement income options with our team. Book your spot.
• Talk to us one-on-one: get advice tailored to where you are in life, and where you want to be. Get in touch.