Many Australians wonder, “Can I live off super alone after retirement?”
It’s a question that matters because your superannuation is often your biggest financial asset, and how you use it determines your lifestyle, comfort, and peace of mind in retirement.
The short answer?
Yes you can live off super alone after retirement, but it depends on how much you’ve saved, how you invest it, and the lifestyle you want.
Let’s break it down step by step.
Understanding Super and Income in Retirement
Before deciding whether you can live off super alone after retirement, it’s important to understand how superannuation provides income once you stop working.
When you retire (usually after age 60), your super can be converted into an account-based pension.
This turns your super balance into a steady, tax-free income stream while keeping your money invested.
You can choose:
- Regular income payments (monthly, quarterly, or annually).
- Partial lump sums for larger expenses.
- To leave the rest invested, so your balance continues to grow.
Super gives you flexibility but the challenge is making sure it lasts as long as you do.
Can I Live Off Super Alone After Retirement If I Own My Home?
Owning your home makes living off super much easier.
Without rent or a mortgage, your day-to-day costs drop dramatically, allowing a smaller super balance to go further.
For example:
- A single homeowner with around $500,000 in super could comfortably draw about $45,000–$50,000 per year for 20+ years, assuming moderate investment growth.
- A couple who own their home with $600,000–$700,000 combined could support a modest to comfortable lifestyle without relying on the Age Pension.
However, if you rent, you may need $100,000–$200,000 more in super to maintain the same lifestyle.
Can I Live Off Super Alone After Retirement With a Smaller Balance?
If your balance is under $400,000, living off super alone becomes trickier but not impossible.
You can make your savings last longer by:
- Reducing expenses (downsizing or moving to a more affordable area).
- Keeping part of your money invested for continued growth.
- Accessing the Age Pension once your balance falls below certain thresholds.
For example, a single homeowner with $300,000 in super may live off that amount for about 12–15 years, then transition to partial or full Age Pension support.
In reality, many Australians combine both using super first and relying on the Age Pension later.
How Much Super You Need to Live Off Super Alone
Here’s what the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) estimates for a comfortable lifestyle in 2025:
| Retiree Type | Comfortable Annual Income | Estimated Super Required (at 65) |
|---|---|---|
| Single | ~$53,000 per year | ~$595,000 |
| Couple | ~$75,000 per year | ~$690,000 |
These figures assume you own your home and draw a balanced income through a super pension.If you live modestly, you may need less. If you plan to travel or spend more early in retirement, you’ll need more.
Can I Live Off Super Alone After Retirement Without the Age Pension?
It’s possible but most Australians eventually qualify for some level of Age Pension support.Even if you start retirement fully self-funded, your super balance may fall over time due to withdrawals and inflation.
Once it drops below the government’s asset thresholds, you may become eligible for a part or full Age Pension, which helps extend your total income.
In 2025, the Age Pension provides:
- Up to $28,500 per year for singles
- Up to $43,700 per year for couples (combined)
So even if you can live off super alone early on, it’s wise to plan for a mix of super + pension income later.
Can I Live Off Super Alone After Retirement Long-Term?
The answer depends on four key factors:
- Your Super Balance: The more you have saved, the longer it lasts.
- Your Investment Returns: Keeping some super invested can generate ongoing growth.
- Your Annual Spending: Living modestly can stretch your savings for decades.
- Inflation and Longevity: Prices rise, and people are living longer often into their 90s.
If you retire at 60 with $600,000 and withdraw around $45,000 a year, your super could last 20–25 years, assuming average investment returns.
But drawing more aggressively or facing poor investment years could shorten that timeframe.
That’s why it’s important to review your plan every year or get professional advice to adjust your withdrawal strategy.
How to Make Your Super Last Longer
If you want to rely mainly on super in retirement, a few smart strategies can make a big difference:
- Start an Account-Based Pension: Keeps your funds invested and provides regular income.
- Review Investment Options: Balanced or conservative options may reduce risk but still generate growth.
- Limit Large Withdrawals: Avoid taking out lump sums unless necessary.
- Consider Downsizing: Free up extra cash to top up your super or savings.
- Reinvest Returns: Allow earnings to compound and slow down depletion.
FAQs:
1. Can I live off super alone after retirement without government support?
Yes, if your super balance is large enough and your spending is moderate. Homeowners with around $600K–$700K in super can often do this comfortably.
2. How much super do I need to live comfortably?
Around $595,000 for singles and $690,000 for couples, according to ASFA’s 2025 estimates.
3. What if my super runs out?
You may qualify for the Age Pension, which provides a safety net if your assets fall below certain limits.
4. Should I keep my super invested after retiring?
Yes, an account-based pension allows your balance to keep growing while providing regular income.
5. What’s the biggest mistake retirees make with super?
Withdrawing too much too soon. A steady, planned approach ensures your money lasts through retirement.
So, can I live off super alone after retirement?
Yes if you plan carefully, manage your spending, and let your money keep working through smart investments.
How to Estimate How Long My Retirement Savings Will Last
How Much Superannuation Can I Have and Still Get a Pension?
For most Australians, the key is balance:
Use your super as your main income source while being open to Age Pension support later in life.At Wealthlab, we help Australians design retirement strategies that make the most of their super ensuring you can enjoy financial security, independence, and peace of mind.
Book a free consultation today to find out how long your super could last and how to make it work for your future.
Learn More About Retirement & Superannuation
https://www.superannuation.asn.au/consumers/retirement-standard/
https://www.australiansuper.com/retirement/how-much-do-you-need-to-retire
https://www.csc.gov.au/Members/Retirement/Plan-retirement/How-much-is-enough?