CBUS Super members receive almost $70 million in retirement bonuses
21 October 2026
MEDIA RELEASE
More than 15,700 CBUS retirees had their balances boosted by a total of $68 million, with CBUS raising awareness of a tax refund that potentially adds thousands of dollars to their retirement savings.
The Retirement Bonus could boost eligible members’ savings by thousands when they switch from an accumulation account into a Fully Retired CBUS account.
Since the Retirement Bonus was introduced, members have received an average tax refund of about $4,300, with the largest windfalls worth tens of thousands.
CBUS estimates more than 110,000 members could meet the criteria, which could rise to 130,000 in the next 12 months.
CBUS Super CEO Kristian Fok said the Retirement Bonus was a little-known benefit that members should consider as they approach retirement.
“Starting retirement with an extra shot of cash can make a real difference to your financial confidence and retirement lifestyle,” Mr Fok said.
"For many members, turning 60 and moving into retirement can unlock a significant retirement tax boost, on average more than $4,000, yet it's a benefit that's often overlooked in retirement planning conversations."
“Australians spend decades building their retirement savings. We want members to know all benefits available to them when they approach that transition.”
The Retirement Bonus was introduced in 2019 and has delivered about $9.2 million per year to members. This year members received an average $4,500 boost to their savings.
It is generally available to members who are over 60 and have stopped work or are over 65 and held their CBUS account for at least 12 months. Members in defined benefits and self-managed are not eligible for the tax refund1.
It refunds provisions made for unrealised capital gains while growing super that are no longer needed in retirement, when investment earnings are tax-free.
The tax bonus is automatically calculated based on members balance, investment options over the previous 12 months and is paid when a Fully Retired account is opened.
"Making the transition to retirement is a big decision for any member,” Mr Fok said.
“The Retirement Bonus is designed to provide an immediate jolt to retirement savings giving members more confidence and financial security when starting their next chapter.”
Media enquiries: media@cbussuper.com.au or +61 3 9100 4930
1 T Check full eligibility criteria at cbussuper.com.au/content/dam/cbus/files/forms-publications/tax/ISTR-Factsheet.pdf
Refund may be reversed if the account is closed or more than 50% withdrawn within the first 12 months of opening.
Cbus Super is the leading Industry Super Fund representing those that help build, maintain and shape Australia. As one of Australia’s largest super funds, we provide superannuation and income stream accounts to more than 935,000 members and we manage more than $115 billion of our members’ money (as at 30 June 2026). As of April 2022, Cbus merged with Media Super and offers Media Super products. In May 2023 Cbus Super successfully completed its merger with EISS Super, welcoming 17,000 new members and establishing itself as the leading fund for energy and electrical workers in Australia.
This information is about Cbus Super. It doesn’t account for your specific needs. Please consider your financial position, objectives and requirements before making financial decisions. Read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Target Market Determination to decide if Cbus Super is right for you. Call 1300 361 784 or visit cbussuper.com.au
Issued 19 August 2026. United Super Pty Ltd ABN 46 006 261 623 AFSL 233792 as trustee for Construction and Building Unions Superannuation Fund (Cbus and/or Cbus Super) ABN 75 493 363 262.