Introduction to Aware Super for Australian Educators
For many Australian teachers and education professionals, Aware Super is more than just a super fund; it’s a long-standing financial partner. With roots deeply embedded in the public sector, particularly through its former identity as First State Super, Aware Super Australia has a rich history of serving government and education employees. Understanding your superannuation fund is critical for securing your financial future, especially given how superannuation contributes to your overall remuneration alongside your teacher salary.
As one of Australia's largest superannuation funds, Aware Super manages billions in assets on behalf of its members, including a significant number of teachers from public, Catholic, and independent schools. This guide aims to demystify super aware, providing clear information on how to manage your account, understand fees, check performance, and access support.
Whether you’re a long-standing member or considering consolidating your super, this page covers essential aspects of Aware Super, ensuring you’re well-informed to make the best decisions for your retirement planning.
If you are involved in Catholic Schools or would like to checkout an alternative to Aware Super head over to Catholic Super (CSF) to see what they have to offer!
Why Aware Super is Relevant to Teachers & Education Professionals
The connection between Aware Super and the education sector is particularly strong. Its origins as First State Super meant it was often the default superannuation fund for public sector employees, including teachers, in states like NSW. This historical link means that many teachers may automatically be members of Aware Super, or have old accounts with them.
Even for teachers in independent or Catholic schools, understanding Aware Super is beneficial, as it remains a competitive option known for its strong governance and commitment to responsible investment. The fund often holds seminars and resources relevant to the financial planning needs of public sector and education professionals.
Key Features of Aware Super for Members
Aware Super offers a range of features designed to help members grow their retirement savings and manage their financial future.
Investment Options & Performance
Members have access to a variety of investment options, from conservative to aggressive, allowing them to tailor their strategy to their risk appetite. Regularly checking your aware super performance is crucial to ensure your super is growing effectively. Aware Super is often cited for its competitive long-term returns.
Explore Investment OptionsFees & Costs
Understanding the aware super fees is vital for maximising your super balance. Fees generally include administration fees, investment fees (which vary by option), and sometimes activity-based fees. While competitive, regularly reviwing the fee structure helps ensure your super isn't eroded by unnecessary charges.
Understand Fees & CostsInsurance & Member Services
Aware Super typically provides default insurance cover (Death, Total and Permanent Disability, Income Protection) for eligible members, which can be crucial for financial protection. They also offer a range of member services, including financial advice, seminars, and a user-friendly online portal for your aware super member login.
Learn About InsuranceFuture Saver & Lifecycle Options
The aware super future saver option is often targeted at younger members, designed to maximise long-term growth. The aware super lifecycle strategy is a popular default where your investment mix automatically adjusts from higher growth (when young) to more conservative (as you approach retirement), managing risk as you manage risk as you age.
Explore Investment PathwaysManaging Your Super with Aware Super
Effectively managing your superannuation account is key to a comfortable retirement. Aware Super provides various tools and resources to help you stay on top of your super.
Accessing Your Account: Login & Member Portal
The easiest way to manage your super is through the online portal. Use your aware super login credentials at their official website to:
- Check your current balance and transaction history.
- Update your personal details and beneficiaries.
- Switch investment options.
- View annual statements and insurance details.
Make sure to use the secure "aware super log in" for members only.
Aware Super Member LoginConsolidating & Contributing
If you have multiple super funds from previous jobs, you might consider consolidating them into your Aware Super account. This can simplify management and reduce fees. Additionally, you can make extra personal contributions, which might offer tax benefits depending on your individual circumstances. Remember that employer contributions are a mandatory part of your teacher salary package.
Consolidate Your SuperConnecting with Aware Super
If you need to contact Aware Super, access official identification numbers, or manage employer contributions, here's how:
Contact Details: Phone, Number & Address
For direct assistance, you can find the official aware super contact information on their website. This typically includes their primary aware super phone number (for general enquiries, call 1300 650 873), and postal aware super address for correspondence.
Aware Super Contact UsABN & USI: Identification Numbers
Employers require specific identification numbers to make super contributions. The aware super abn (Australian Business Number) is 90 006 558 714 (for Aware Super Pty Ltd, the trustee), and the aware super usi (Unique Superannuation Identifier) for the main fund is 90006558714001. These details are publicly available on Aware Super's website in their employer section (https://aware.com.au/employer) or general information pages. Knowing the "aware super abn number" is key for compliance.
Salary Sacrifice and Your Super: Boosting Your Retirement
Teachers often have the opportunity to engage in salary sacrifice, also known as salary packaging, to make additional contributions to their superannuation. This is a highly effective way to boost your retirement savings while potentially reducing your taxable income in the short term.
Here's how it generally works: Instead of receiving a portion of your salary as cash, your employer directs that amount directly into your Aware Super (or other super fund) account. Because these contributions are made from your pre-tax income, they are generally taxed at a concessional rate of 15% (for most people), which is often lower than your marginal income tax rate.
This means more money goes into your super, and you pay less tax upfront. Many teachers actively seek roles that offer these benefits, highlighting the importance of understanding schemes like "salary packaging for teachers". You can explore this in more detail on our dedicated page:Teacher Salary Packaging.
Aware Super's Role in Retirement Planning for Teachers
Superannuation is a cornerstone of financial security in retirement for all Australians, and for teachers, it's a significant portion of their total compensation. Aware Super aims to provide a strong foundation for teachers' retirement planning through its investment strategies and member services.
By actively engaging with your Aware Super account – checking your aware super performance, understanding your fees, and ensuring your contributions are correct – you're taking proactive steps towards a comfortable post-teaching life. This long-term perspective complements your immediate earnings and financial planning.
Teaching Jobs & Your Superannuation: Maximising Your Future
Understanding superannuation funds like Aware Super is an integral part of planning a successful teaching career. While your teacher salary defines your immediate income, your super defines your future financial security. Many schools offer competitive superannuation arrangements as part of their employment packages.
At TeachingJobs.com.au, we connect you with rewarding teaching roles that offer not just great salaries but also excellent overall remuneration packages, including robust superannuation benefits. Whether you're looking for public school roles or opportunities in Catholic and independent schools, we can help you find positions where your long-term financial health is valued.
Explore our extensive job listings to find your next opportunity, and ensure your superannuation choice aligns with your financial goals. Your ideal teaching job that secures your future is within reach!
Secure Your Future: Understand Your Super!
Make informed decisions about your Aware Super account and find teaching jobs that support your financial goals.
TeachingJobs.com.au connects your career to a secure financial future.
Frequently Asked Questions about Aware Super for Teachers
Get quick answers to common queries about Aware Super and how it relates to your teaching career.
What is Aware Super and why is it relevant to teachers?
Aware Super is one of Australia's largest superannuation funds, with a long history linked to public sector and education employees (formerly First State Super). It’s highly relevant to teachers as it was initially the default fund for many in the public education sector across various states, and continues to offer tailored benefits and services to educators.
How do I log in to my Aware Super account?
To access your account, use the official "aware super login" or "aware super member login" portal on their website. Look for a "log in" button usually in the top right corner. You will need your member number and password to gain access to your super balance, statements, and investment options.
What are the fees associated with Aware Super?
Aware Super charges various fees, including administration fees, investment fees, and sometimes activity fees. The specific "aware super fees" can vary based on your account balance and chosen investment options. It’s important to review their Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) or fees guide on their website (https://www.aware.com.au/super/fees) for detailed, up-to-date information to understand how fees impact your "aware super performance".
Where can I find Aware Super's contact details like phone number and address?
You can find "aware super contact" details, including their main phone number 1300 650 873, and postal address on the "contact us" section of their official website (https://www.aware.com.au/contact-us). They also typically provide details for online enquiries and a secure message centre for members.
What is the Aware Super ABN and USI?
The "aware super abn" (Australian Business Number) is 90 006 558 714 (for Aware Super Pty Ltd, the trustee), and the aware super usi (Unique Superannuation Identifier) for the main fund is 90006558714001. These details are publicly available on Aware Super's website in their employer section (https://www.aware.com.au/employers) or general information pages. Knowing the "aware super abn number" is key for compliance.
How does "Aware Super Future Saver" and "Aware Super Lifecycle" work?
"Aware Super Future Saver" is often an investment option or product designed for younger members, aiming to maximise long-term growth. "Aware super lifecycle" refers to an investment strategy where your super is automatically invested in a way that changes as you age (e.g., more aggressive when young, more conservative as you approach retirement). These options are designed to help members manage their investment risk over time. More details can be found on their investment options page (https://www.aware.com.au/super/investment-options).
How does my superannuation affect my overall teacher salary?
Superannuation contributions, while not part of your direct take-home pay, are a significant component of your total remuneration and contribute to your future financial security. Employer contributions are compulsory and in addition to your gross "teacher salary". Understanding your super fund's performance and fees (like "aware super performance") helps maximise this crucial part of your overall compensation. You can learn more about total remuneration in our Teacher Salary Guide.
Can teachers use salary sacrifice to boost their Aware Super contributions?
Yes, many teachers can use salary sacrifice (or salary packaging) to make additional pre-tax contributions to their superannuation, including with Aware Super. This can be a tax-effective way to boost your retirement savings. It's important to consult your employer and a financial advisor to understand the rules and benefits for your specific circumstances. Our Salary Packaging for Teachers guide provides more information on this topic.