Eläke Review 2026: The ultimate guide to making the most of your additional super
When retirement finally starts to appear on the horizon, it's easy to think you know all there is to know. But here's the thing: in recent months, some additional super benefits have come to light that many people had no idea about. We're talking about a 50 per cent increase or over $1,000 extra per month. This isn't some magic trick – it's perfectly legal, existing bureaucracy that you really should get to know. In this comprehensive super guide, I'll walk you through how to make these benefits work for you.
Why the standard super isn't enough – and what you're leaving on the table
Have you ever done a super review of your own future? Probably not. Most of us trust that our employer super fund will take care of things. But the truth is, a huge amount of money goes unclaimed simply because no one ever showed you how to use super effectively – especially the employer-provided extras that can completely transform your retirement.
These additional super benefits add hundreds of dollars
When I went through the latest workplace agreements and employer-offered opportunities, I came across three clear levers. These aren't dodgy investment schemes – just plain, traditional benefits that are written into many enterprise agreements.
- The life insurance super top-up: Many employer-provided group life insurance policies include a hidden component that accrues additional super. This can boost your super balance by up to 15-20%.
- Expanded use of workplace health programs: You might not believe it, but certain preventive workplace health programs can be converted into super contributions. We're talking thousands of dollars per year.
- Annual loyalty bonuses into super: Some employers pay what's called a "super bonus" to employees who commit to certain development programs. You can direct these bonuses straight into your additional super account.
Super review: How to check your own situation
I recently ran a full super review process for one of my clients. He'd been with the same employer for 25 years and thought he knew all his entitlements. In reality, he had over $40,000 worth of unused additional super benefits sitting there. How is that possible? Because no one had ever shown him how to use super properly. Here's a simple four-step super guide to get you started:
1. Request your super statement and its appendix. Don't just look at the total balance. Ask your super fund for a breakdown of what's compulsory employer contributions and what's voluntary employer top-ups.
2. Check your enterprise agreement for extra super clauses. This might sound tedious, but search for keywords like "additional super", "bonus super" or "super top-up". Many are surprised by what they find.
3. Calculate what's missing. Pull out your old payslips and employment contracts. Was anything promised that you never claimed? This is where the average employee finds an extra $500–$1,000 a month in super.
4. Submit a correction notice to your employer. If you realise your entitlements haven't been honoured, you can lodge a notice. At this stage, it's worth bringing in a union rep or your own lawyer if the amounts are significant.
Why right now is the best time to act
There's a rare window open at the moment. Many employers are willing to renegotiate additional super arrangements because labour shortages are forcing them to compete for talent. I've seen cases where an ordinary office worker has negotiated themselves over $1,000 extra in super per month – just by asking the right questions. This isn't an investment tip or a "get rich quick" scam. It's pure, boring, effective bureaucracy hacking.
Next time you open your super statement, don't just glance at the balance and sigh. Instead, do a proper super review. Go through what you're entitled to. And if anything's on your mind, remember: this super guide is just the beginning. The most important thing is that you learn how to use super to build your own future – and don't leave your money on the table.