Important information for members wanting benefit estimates

Update: 10 October 2007

We previously reported to members that due to the need to enhance our systems for the Better Super reforms and the new way of allocating Fund earnings, there would be delays in processing requests for benefit estimates.

The majority of benefit estimate requests which do not require a manual calculation should be finalised by end-October 2007. However, those members who do require a manually calculated benefit estimate (e.g. members with a transfer value or multiple memberships) may continue to experience delays. We anticipate resuming our normal service level standards for finalising manually calculated benefit estimates by end-December 2007.

While this backlog is being cleared we will continue to give priority to any members who are faced with non discretionary retirement situations, such as invalidity.

We understand how important it is for members to receive timely information and are working hard to clear the backlog. We do sincerely apologise for these delays and thank you for your patience.

If your request for an estimate was made before 28 September 2007 and you believe your benefit estimate is not a manual calculation, please call us on 1300 000 277 and we will investigate the matter further.

Update: 16 August 2007

We previously reported to members that due to the implementation of the Government’s Better Super reforms and the consequential need to enhance our systems, there would be delays in processing requests for benefit estimates until mid-August.

We have now successfully implemented the required system changes and are now processing benefit estimates and clearing the backlog of estimate requests as quickly as possible.

Unfortunately, while the current backlog of benefit estimates may take several weeks to clear, we anticipate resuming our normal service level standards for processing estimates from early September.

While this backlog is cleared we will continue to give priority to any members who are faced with non discretionary retirement situations, such as invalidity.

We again sincerely apologise for these delays and understand how important it is for members to receive timely information and thank you for your patience.

Important information for members wanting benefit estimate

There will be delays in processing benefit estimates until mid-August, due to the continuation of system enhancements for the implementation of the Government’s Better Super reforms.

Earlier this month, we reported to members that systems enhancements would result in some temporary processing delays between 13 June and 2 July. We also personally contacted members who were affected.

This is a significant change to our systems and testing has shown that we need to undertake further work to ensure the effectiveness of the enhancements. Whilst this additional work is being undertaken we can only process benefit estimates manually, which will cause delays until mid-August.

We understand how important it is for members to receive timely information. We are working hard to ensure these enhancements are made as quickly as possible, and will do everything we can to assist those affected during this time.

We do sincerely apologise for these delays and thank you for your patience

What can you do?

If you can wait until mid-August to request a benefit estimate, we will be able to provide one to you promptly. In the meantime you can calculate a gross estimate using the i-Estimator at Member Services Online.

If you are exiting and cannot wait until mid-August please contact us by email members@css.gov.au  or phone 1300 000 277.

If you have submitted a request for a benefit estimate after 26 June, it will be delayed. We will process it as soon as possible but if you are exiting please contact us.

Why are we making these enhancements? And why now?

These enhancements will allows us to implement the Government’s Better Super tax changes for members.

You would have by now received a letter from us explaining that we, like all super funds, are implementing the Government’s Better Super tax changes. This is the biggest reform to superannuation in 20 years and will fundamentally change the way super works.

The most recent regulations relating to Better Super were only passed in late April. We then had to analyse the changes and determine impact on members and what system enhancements were required. We started the enhancements as soon as that analysis had been completed.

In addition, we are also preparing to allocate Fund earnings to your account each month - this is the final stage of delivering more equitable distribution of earnings to members.