If you’re already a Stockspot Super member, moving into pension phase can be a straightforward next step once you become eligible.
Many Australians search for “how to move super to pension” or “transfer super to retirement income” when approaching retirement or reducing work. But Stockspot Pension is designed to be simple and straightforward, removing any guesswork.
Stockspot Pension is designed so eligible members can move from superannuation to retirement income using a clear online process, without needing to restructure their investments.
When can you transfer from super to pension?
You can generally transfer from Stockspot Super to Stockspot Pension once you meet a condition of release under Australian superannuation rules. This commonly includes:
- Reaching preservation age and starting a Transition to Retirement (TTR) pension
- Retiring after reaching preservation age
- Reaching age 65
The type of pension available to you, TTR or Retirement Income, depends on your work status and age. This is confirmed during the setup process.
What is an in-specie transfer and why does it matter?
One of the key features when transferring from Stockspot Super to Stockspot Pension is the use of in-specie transfers.
An in-specie transfer means your existing ETF holdings are moved directly into your pension account rather than being sold and repurchased.
This approach:
- Keeps your investments continuously invested
- Avoids the need to sell assets as part of the transfer
- Reduces exposure to market timing risk
- Generally does not trigger a capital gains event at the time of transfer
Because your portfolio moves across intact, there’s no need to rebuild your investments once your pension starts.
How do you transfer from Stockspot Super to Stockspot Pension?
Transferring from Stockspot Super to Stockspot Pension is completed online and follows a clear sequence.
Step 1: Request a pension
Once you’re eligible, you request to start a pension through your Stockspot account. You’ll confirm whether you’re starting a TTR or a Retirement Income pension.
Step 2: Super balance moves to pension phase
Your Stockspot Super account is transferred into pension phase using an in-specie process.
Your ETFs move across without being sold.
Step 3: Pension account is established
Your pension account is formally commenced, and the relevant tax and regulatory settings are applied.
Step 4: Income payments begin
Once you’ve established your desired frequency, income payments are processed according to your preferences.
You will decide a start date and receive your first payment shortly after, continuing at your selected intervals.
Pension commencement choice
As part of starting your Stockspot Pension, you’ll be asked to make several key selections.
- Pension start date
You nominate when your pension should commence. This date determines when pension phase rules and tax treatment apply.
- Income frequency
You choose how often you’d like to receive income payments; monthly, quarterly, annually.
- Income amounts must meet minimum pension requirements, which are applied automatically.
- Beneficiary nominations
You can nominate beneficiaries as part of the setup process. Each option is explained clearly before you confirm.
Understanding beneficiary options
When transferring to a pension, beneficiary nominations become an important consideration.
You can choose from:
- Reversionary beneficiaries, commonly a spouse, who may continue receiving pension payments
- Preferred beneficiaries, which guide trustee decisions
- Binding beneficiaries, which are legally enforceable under superannuation law
Your choice determines how your pension balance is treated if you pass away. You can update beneficiary nominations in line with the rules that apply to your account.
What stays the same after transferring from super to pension
Although your account moves from super to pension phase, several elements remain unchanged.
These include:
- Your underlying investment portfolio
- The ETFs you hold
- Your online dashboard and reporting
- Ongoing portfolio monitoring and rebalancing
- The service you receive from Stockspot
Because your investments are transferred in-specie, your portfolio continues without interruption.
What changes when you move from super into pension phase
Some aspects of your account change once your super is transferred to a pension.
These typically include:
- Tax treatment
Under current rules, investment earnings in pension phase are generally tax-free, and withdrawals are generally tax-free for most Australians aged 60 and over. Tax outcomes depend on individual circumstances.
- Income payments
Rather than contributing to super, you begin receiving regular income payments from your pension balance.
- Withdrawal rules
Minimum annual drawdown rules apply, based on your age and pension type. For TTR pensions, a maximum withdrawal limit also applies.
These rules are applied automatically as part of pension management.
Timing and what to expect
Most transfers from Stockspot Super to Stockspot Pension are completed within a few business days once all information is confirmed.
During this time:
- Your investments remain invested
- You retain access to your dashboard
- You receive updates as the transfer progresses
There’s no need to pause or restructure your portfolio as part of the process.
Support during your transfer from super to pension
While the process is digital, support is available throughout.
Stockspot’s Australian-based support team can help with:
- Confirming eligibility
- Explaining Stockspot pension product options
- Answering questions about income payments or beneficiaries
This ensures you’re supported both before and after your pension begins.
Moving from super to pension with confidence
Transferring from Stockspot Super to Stockspot Pension is designed to be a continuation of your existing account, rather than a complete change.
By using in-specie transfers and a guided online process, eligible members can move into pension phase while keeping their investments intact and their account experience consistent.
