cash out super at 66 for max age pension?

  1. 8,915 Posts.
    lightbulb Created with Sketch. 31

    I'm doing some 'what if' calculations on the benefits of cashing out Super and putting the $ into a bank account.
    Some people would hold smaller Super funds in cash - is this a good idea for amounts of about $200,000.

    Age 66 married and homeowner. Full age pension = $29,182.

    Option A
    $200,000 in Super – no other assets or income.
    Minimum Draw Down of 5% = $10,000

    Income test - $6968 of income is allowed without impacting Age Pension. Balance reduced by 50c in the $1
    10,000 – 6,968 = 3032 / 2 = 1,516 reduction in Age Pension.
    Income Test = Age Pension of $27,217

    Asset Test
    Assets are under the threshold of $273,000 so no reduction.
    Asset Test = Age Pension of $29,182

    Lower of the two tests = $27,217
    Plus $10,000 from Super = $37,217

    Option B
    Transfer Super to cash deposit account.
    Earn 3% on bank interest Take $6,000 as income.
    Income test - No impact as at income threshold.
    Asset Test - No impact as below Asset threshold.
    Age Pension = $29,182.
    Plus income of $6,000 from bank = $35,182

    Conclusion
    End result $2000 less income, but $10,000 more in assets.

    After 20 years the deposit account would be worth $200,000 whereas if left in Super the balance would be about $100,000

    Is the above correct? Anyone up for the challenge to validate, or show the error in the thinking?
 
arrow-down-2 Created with Sketch. arrow-down-2 Created with Sketch.