Benefit payments and earnings accruals in the CSS

Members have asked us some questions recently about the processing of CSS benefits and specifically about the accrual of earnings on benefit payments.

When your CSS benefit payment is processed, earnings do not cease to accrue at the date of your exit or the date of your claim (in the case of deferred benefit applications) but continue to be applied up to the date of processing. In other words, earnings continue to be applied until the monies leave the CSS. The earning rate(s) applied to your benefit during the processing period will be the same as the earning rate(s) which apply to the investment option chosen by you (i.e. Default or Cash).

These earnings will apply to all of your money in the CSS (i.e. your member and productivity components plus any transfer amounts or co-contributions if applicable).

If you are concerned about market volatility and the potential impact on your CSS benefit, particularly as you approach retirement, you have the option of switching to the Cash Investment Option.

You can find more information about the Cash Investment Option or market volatility and your super at:

  • Click here to see the Cash Investment Option fact sheet

    • and

  • Click here to see the Market volatility and your super publication