PSSFAQ1 10/13 Redundancy FAQ PSS Members How do I request a benefit estimate? In order to obtain a benefit estimate for redundancy, voluntary or involuntary retirement, we require your employer to complete the Estimate Request Form for Employer use only. Alternatively, you can use the I-Estimator located on Member Services Online to project your potential final benefit. All you need is an access number. You can obtain one by phoning our Customer Information Centre on 1300 000 377. What are the benefit estimate processing times? How is my benefit calculated? Your PSS benefit is calculated using the following formula: Final Average Salary (FAS) x your Accrued Benefit Multiple (ABM) The FAS for redundancy is calculated slightly differently to normal retirement to include your salary on exit. The exit salary is pro-rated with the oldest of the last three birthday salaries. Example: Redundancy FAS calculation if a member leaves 3 months after their birthday. 2011 salary:$60,000 2012 salary:$64,000 Estimates that can be generated automatically are completed and sent within around four business days. 2013 salary:$68,000 Estimates that require manual intervention can take up to 15 business days to be completed and sent. Final Salary: Exit salary ($72,000 x 92 days) ÷ 365 = $18,148 I am under the age of 55, can I claim a pension? Yes, you can convert your total PSS benefit to a CPI-indexed pension, which is payable for life and indexed twice yearly. Reversionary pensions are payable to any eligible spouse and/or children if you pass away. Exit Salary: $72,000 2011 salary ($60,000 x 273 days) ÷ 365 = $44,876 = $63,024 FAS ($68,000 + $64,000 + $63,024) ÷ 3 = $65,008 Your Government Super at Work Any financial product advice in this document is general advice only and has been prepared without taking account of your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on any such general advice, you should consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation or needs. You may wish to consult a licensed financial advisor. You should obtain a copy of the PSS Product Disclosure Statement and consider its contents before making any decision regarding your super. Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation (CSC) ABN: 48 882 817 243 AFSL: 238069 RSEL: L0001397 Trustee of the Public Sector Superannuation Scheme (PSS) ABN: 74 172 177 893 RSE: R1004595 Industry Fund Services (IFS) ABN 54 007 016 195 AFSL 232514 1 of 2 Will I have to pay tax on my PSS benefit? How long will it take PSS to process my application form? Tax is payable on both lump sum payments and pensions. While every effort will be made to process redundancy benefit payments as quickly as possible, accuracy must be of primary consideration when doing so. Therefore, it may take between four and eight weeks from receipt of a complete and correct application form before payment will be made. The amount of tax is affected by the following: >> your age at the date you claim >> if you are taking a lump sum and a pension >> if you rollover your money into another superannuation fund. Fact sheets on taxation are available online at pss.gov.au What benefit application form do I need to complete? The PSS Involuntary retirement (SRR1) application form will need to be completed. If you have previously transferred any money into the PSS, you may also need to complete a Retirement Supplement (SR-PSS). Where can I get more information? EMAILmembers@pss.gov.au PHONE 1300 000 377 FAX 02 6272 9613 MAILPSS GPO Box 2252 Canberra ACT 2601 WEBpss.gov.au These forms can be found on pss.gov.au When does my benefit application form have to be completed by? Applications should be completed within 90 days of your retirement date. Do I submit my application form directly to PSS? No. All completed application forms need to be submitted to your personnel or payroll section first. Your employer will then forward your application form directly to PSS for processing. Any benefits requiring manual or family law intervention will take longer. Need financial advice? Before you make any decision about your PSS benefit, we recommend you seek personal financial advice from a qualified professional. Speaking to an expert who understands the PSS and your situation can help you to achieve the right outcome for your needs and longterm goals. To make a personal advice service available for your full financial situation, your super trustee, Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation, has partnered with experienced financial planners from Industry Fund Services. It is ‘fee for service’ advice, which means you receive a fixed quote up front. There are no obligations, commissions or hidden fees. Your first meeting with your Industry Fund Services financial planner is free. To book today, please call 1300 277 777 during business hours. More information about this personal advice service is available at csc.gov.au/advice email phone financial advice post members@pss.gov.au 1300 000 377 1300 277 777 web overseas callers fax www.pss.gov.au +61 2 6272 9622 (02) 6272 9613 PSS GPO Box 2252 Canberra ACT 2601 2 of 2