Easing into retirement? Here's how a Transition to Retirement strategy works
That’s where a Transition to Retirement (TTR) strategy can help.
A TTR strategy allows eligible Australians to access part of their super while they’re still working. It’s designed to make the move from full-time employment to retirement a little smoother, both financially and personally.
What is a Transition to Retirement strategy?
A Transition to Retirement strategy lets you start drawing an income from your super once you’ve reached 60, even if you haven’t fully retired yet.
In simple terms, you move some of your super into a TTR income account and receive regular payments from it while continuing to work.
People often use a TTR strategy to:
- Cut back their working hours without taking a major pay cut
- Supplement their income while transitioning to part-time work
- Potentially reduce tax and boost their super through salary sacrifice arrangements
For many Australians approaching retirement, it offers more flexibility and control over how they leave the workforce.
Who can access TTR?
You can generally start a TTR strategy if you’re aged between 60 and 65.
Importantly, you don’t need to fully retire or cut your working hours back to access a TTR account, you can still be working and receiving employer super contributions at the same time.
Why more Australians are considering TTR
Retirement today looks very different from previous generations. Some people want to keep working a few days a week because they enjoy it. Others want more time with family, travel, or simply less stress without losing financial stability.
A TTR strategy can help bridge that gap.
Maintain your lifestyle while working less
One of the biggest reasons people use TTR is to replace some of the income they lose when reducing work hours.
For example, someone moving from five days a week to three or four may use payments from their TTR account to help cover everyday expenses.
Potential tax benefits
For people aged 60 and over, income payments from a TTR pension are generally tax free.
Depending on your circumstances, a Transition to Retirement strategy may be used alongside other super contributions to help build retirement savings.
Keep building your super
Even while accessing part of your super through TTR, your employer can continue paying super contributions into your accumulation account if you’re still working.
That means you may still be growing your retirement savings while enjoying more flexibility now.
Is TTR right for you?
A TTR strategy can be a great option if you’re thinking about cutting back your work hours, wanting more flexibility before fully retiring or to boost your retirement savings.
But like any financial decision, it’s important to understand how it could affect your long-term retirement savings and overall financial goals.
That’s why many Australians speak with their super fund or a financial adviser before setting up a TTR account. You can call us on 1800 005 166 to chat about how a TTR strategy could work for your situation.
See how TTR could work for you
A Transition to Retirement strategy can look different for everyone.
Use our calculator to see how reducing your work hours, supplementing your income, or boosting your super could work for your personal situation.
Calculate now
Exploring TTR with CareSuper
If you’re considering easing into retirement, our super experts are here to help you understand your options and feel more confident about your next step.
Give us a call on 1800 005 166 or book a call back at a time that suits you.
Find out more
Read the Transition to Retirement PDS
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CareSuper Advice is a financial advice service available to CareSuper members through CareSuper Advice Pty Ltd, ABN 78 102 167 877, AFSL No. 284443 which is licensed to provide financial advice services and deal in financial products. CareSuper Advice Pty Ltd is a wholly owned company of CareSuper (Secretariat Co) Pty Ltd ABN 29 104 826 413, a related entity of CareSuper Pty Ltd ABN 14 008 650 628, AFSL No. 238718 (Trustee) which is the trustee of CareSuper ABN 74 559 365 913 (Fund).
This is general information only and doesn’t take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before making a decision about CareSuper, you should consider if this information is right for you. Before making a decision about CareSuper, you should consider if this information is right for you and read our Product disclosure statement, Target market determination and Financial services guide. These are available at caresuper.com.au/pds or by calling 1800 005 166.
Information correct as at 6 August 2026.