COVID-19 update

-5 August 2020-

We know that this is a difficult time for many people, and there is a lot of uncertainty in the community.

We’re here to support our members’ retirement outcomes, and one of the ways we do this is via long-term investment growth.

So we’re pleased to announce that Equip has defied the worst market downturn since the Global Financial Crisis to deliver members positive returns.

In a financial year that saw COVID-19 market jitters push most super funds into negative territory, Equip’s Balanced Growth option captured a 1.7% return. A top ten result.

Meanwhile, our Balanced Growth option has returned 8.3% p.a. over the previous decade. Another Top Ten result.

Learn more about our investment returns.

Please check below for additional coronavirus information and updates, learn more about our financial planning services here, or call us directly on 1800 682 626.
 

Early access update 

-27 July 2020-

The Federal Government has announced an extension to the early access superannuation scheme.
 
Eligible Australians will be able to apply for up $10,000 of their superannuation until 31 December 2020. The original cut-off date was 24 September 2020.
 
Additional information can be found via the government’s latest fact sheet.

Applications for early access can be made via the My.Gov website.

A message from Equip's CEO

-25 March 2020-

We are experiencing significant global uncertainty and you may have questions that we can help answer. You can read about our latest updates and other relevant information below.

At Equip we pride ourselves on our dedication to members, however, our face-to-face meetings have temporarily ceased to protect the welfare of all.

We will continue to speak with you over the phone or online and we will increase our efforts to meet heightened demand. You can contact our Helpline on 1800 682 626 between 8am and 8pm EST/EDT Monday to Friday, email us, or arrange a call from a financial planner.

For further updates, please visit this page for the latest news, as it will be updated regularly during this time.

Be safe and take care.

Kind regards,

Scott Cameron
Chief Executive Officer
 

Your investments

COVID-19 has created volatile markets that have impacted investments across the world. The impact for you will depend, amongst other factors, on your choice of investment option, your account balance, time until retirement and desired lifestyle in retirement.

It may be tempting to make changes to your investment strategy given the environment. Remember however, that investing in shares and other growth assets comes with higher risks over the short term but historically has been shown to create considerable wealth over the long term.
 

Your insurance cover

During this time, we understand you may be worried about becoming ill or not receiving an income while you are unwell. If you have insurance cover through Equip for Death, Total and Permanent Disablement, and/or Income Protection, you are covered if you are diagnosed with COVID-19. Please note that conditions may apply. You can learn more about eligibility criteria and the claims process by viewing our Insurance guide.

Your pension payments

You can choose how much income you draw from your pension each year. The Government has temporarily reduced the minimum annual payment required by half until the end of the 2020/21 financial year:

Transition to Retirement Pensions – You can choose an income level between a minimum of 2% and a maximum of 10% of your account balance on 1 July.
​

Account Based Pensions – Refer to the table below for the minimum payment percentage of your account balance on 1 July based on your age.
 

To choose an income level above the minimum, log into your account online and edit your current withdrawal details on the ‘Withdrawals’ page. Alternatively, you can download, complete, and return the Change your pension details form, available on our pension forms page.

Additional information and resources