There’s a problem with my super – where can I get help?
After a lifetime of saving the last thing you want is a problem with your super. We’re going to take a look at where to go for help if something’s amiss.
But where do you go for help if something’s up with your super?
The Superannuation Complaints Tribunal consisting of a Chairperson and a Deputy Chairperson and 16 part-time members drawn from a variety of professions from around Australia, including: superannuation, insurance, actuary, law, medicine, rehabilitation and sociology, is a good port of call for a range of complaints involving superannuation.
If you run into trouble regarding a regulated funds, annuities, deferred annuities and retirement savings accounts, the tribunal can deal with your problem.
What can the Superannuation Complaints Tribunal do?
Well, much depends on the nature of your complaint. If your complaint is accepted after its initial review, the Superannuation Complaints Tribunal will then move to seek a conciliatory resolution between you and the party you’re disputing with.
If conciliation is not possible the Tribunal has power to conduct a formal review of the particular complains and issue a determination stemming from this.
What can I expect?
The Superannuation Complaints Tribunal says that in all its work, the objectives of the Tribunal are to be fair, economical, informal and quick.
At the start of the process each complaint is examined to ensure that it’s a matter the Tribunal can actually deal with. From her the Tribunal will generally request general information regarding the complaint before the conciliation/review process.
If my issue can’t be resolved by Superannuation Complaints Tribunal?
There is a number of other government resources you can check if you find your issue can in fact not be resolved by Superannuation Complaints Tribunal:
- Financial Ombudsman Service - A free and independent dispute resolution service that considers complaints about financial services including banking, credit and loans.
- Australian Taxation Office (ATO) Superannuation Guarantee Helpline - For information and complaints about an employer not paying the compulsory superannuation on your behalf.
- Australian Taxation Office (ATO) Superannuation Surcharge Helpline. For inquiries and complaints about superannuation surcharge contributions.
Related links:
What the 2016 budget means for your retirement
Hidden costs to retirement village contracts
The costs involved with residential aged care