Frequently Asked Question & Answers

	How do I update my personal details e.g. change of address?
	How often do I receive a Benefit Statement from the Fund?
	Can I access any of my super?
	How do I access my account details online?
	Where do I go if I have a complaint?
	Do I pay tax on my super?
	Can I transfer (Rollover) my other superannuation benefits into the Fund?
	Where can I find a summary of the Fund's benefits?
	How do I obtain a quote of my current benefit entitlement?
	Can I withdraw money from the fund whilst still employed by the company?
	Can I use my accumulated benefits as security for a loan?
	Can I get a loan from the fund?
	Can I continue to be a member of the Fund after I leave the company?
	How do I get my benefit when I leave the company?
	Can I transfer my benefit to my spouse's fund?
	What happens to my death and temporary Salary Continuance cover after leaving the company?
	What happens to a benefit when a member cannot be located?
	What happens to my superannuation if I receive paid sick leave or workers compensation?
	Do I have to provide my Tax File Number?
	What if I do not provide my TFN?
	What happens when I do provide my TFN?

How do I update my personal details e.g. change of address?
Simply contact the fund (any method is OK) and we will update your details accordingly. Remember to quote your member number if you are telephoning us. Alternatively, you may update your details via MemberAccess.

How often do I receive a Benefit Statement from the Fund?
NESS produces Benefit Statements twice a year, effective 30 June and 31 December. They will normally be sent to your home address within 3 months of these dates, so ensure that you advise the Fund of any change in your address. Accompanying your June statement will be the Annual Report. This web site also holds the Annual Report so you can read it online or download it.

Can I access any of my super?
Some money in your account may not be restricted by preservation rules. This will usually be money rolled-over from another plan. Any non-restricted money is known as 'Unrestricted Non-Preserved Benefits'. You may withdraw this money at any time. However, there will be a small charge to process your claim. For accounts less than $1,000.00, the fee will not exceed the interest earned.

How do I access my account details online?
Before you can access your account online, you need to contact the fund and be issued with a password and a user name. Once you have received your password, enter MemberAccess, it is as simple as that.

Where do I go if I have a complaint?
NESS Administration can help if you have a question about your super. You will typically receive an answer over the phone. If not, you might be asked to put your question in writing. You should receive an answer within 28 days.

If you are not satisfied with the answer you receive, or wish to make a complaint, you should write to NESS Administration who will refer the matter to the trustee.You can expect a response from the trustee within 90 days. If the matter is not resolved to your satisfaction, you may appeal to the Superannuation Complaints Tribunal (SCT). The SCT is an independent body set up by the Government to help members or their beneficiaries resolve superannuation complaints. Before you contact the SCT, however, you must first try to resolve the issue through NESS Administration and the trustee. The SCT will only handle certain types of complaints and time limits apply for lodging them. If the SCT accepts your complaint, it will try to help you and the trustee reach a mutual agreement through conciliation. If this is not successful, the SCT will make a decision that is binding on all parties. For more information on this process, you can contact the SCT on 1300 884 114 or visit the SCT website at www.sct.gov.au.

Do I pay tax on my super?
Tax may be deducted from your benefit when it becomes payable from NESS. The amount of tax will vary depending on the balance of your account payable when you leave NESS, your age and the type of benefit you receive. For instance, whether it is a benefit due to retirement, due to withdrawing from NESS for other reasons, or due to a death or disability claim. When you claim your benefit from NESS it is important that you have provided your Tax File Number. Failure to do so will result in your benefit being taxed at the highest marginal rate.

Can I transfer (Rollover) my other superannuation benefits into the Fund?
Yes, NESS will accept transfers (known as rollovers). Most other funds will allow you to transfer your entitlement to NESS, however, you'll have to check with the other fund first to see whether its Trust Deed allows such transfers. Also, check to see if any termination fees will apply. Once you have decided to transfer a benefit, this can be organised by contacting the other fund or, if you would prefer, we can arrange it for you (you'll have to complete the Request to Roll over superannuation benefits form first). You can download this form from this site.

Where can I find a summary of the Fund's benefits?
The Member Booklet contains a summary of NESS' benefits. You can download this from the 'Publications' section on this site.

How do I obtain a quote of my current benefit entitlement?
You should simply contact NESS Administration and we will be happy to give a quote of your current entitlement. Remember to quote your member number if you are telephoning us. Alternatively you can obtain a benefit quotation by going to MemberAccess, our online access system. If you want to obtain a projection of your benefit into the future, try one of our superannuation calculators.

Can I withdraw money from the fund whilst still employed by the company?
While you are an employee, you can only withdraw money from the Unrestricted Non-Preserved Account.

Can I use my accumulated benefits as security for a loan?
The answer to these questions is no. This is a legislative requirement for all regulated Superannuation Funds.

Can I get a loan from the fund?
You cannot get a loan from NESS, however as a member of NESS, you are entitled to apply to Super Member Home Loans. They have competitive rates and different types of loans that may suit your needs.

Can I continue to be a member of the Fund after I leave the company?
Yes. At any age up to 65, you may leave some or all of your benefit in the Fund, accruing investment earnings.

How do I get my benefit when I leave the company?
You must complete a Benefit Payment Application form. Please ensure you follow the instructions given, and provide all the details requested. Please note that the payment of your benefit maybe restricted by your employment status and or outstanding contributions, please contact NESS Administration if you require further information.

Can I transfer my benefit to my spouse's fund?
No. Your benefit must remain in your name only, and cannot be transferred to anyone else's name. Nor can it be held in joint names.

What happens to my death and temporary Salary Continuance cover after leaving the company?
Instead of ceasing on your last day at work, your death cover continues indefinitely. A premium is deducted from your account to pay for this cover. Temporary Salary Continuance cover is cancelled once you terminate employment.

What happens to a benefit when a member cannot be located?
If the Fund loses contact with you for a long period, during which the Trustee is satisfied that you have not received written communication from the Fund to your last known address, then the Trustee shall transfer your entitlement to: National Preservation Trust GPO Box 2163T MELBOURNE VIC 3001 Phone: 1800 331 210.

What happens to my superannuation if I receive paid sick leave or workers compensation?
If you are off work on paid sick leave, your superannuation contributions will continue to be deducted from your pay, and the Company's contributions will continue as normal. The same usually applies if you are receiving Workers' Compensation payments.

Do I have to provide my Tax File Number?
The Trustee is required by law to request Tax File Numbers (TFNs) from you. No you do not have to provide your TFN to the Trustee.

What if I do not provide my TFN?
If you do not provide your TFN you may pay more tax.

What happens when I do provide my TFN?
If you do provide a TFN, the Trustee can only use it for purposes allowed by law. The Trustee must now pass your TFN to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) to determine if you will be subject to the surcharge tax on contributions. If you provided your TFN before June 1997, the form you used may not have referred to the surcharge tax and you would not have known your TFN could be used for this purpose. If you do not wish your TFN to be used for this purpose, you must advise the Trustee. Your TFN will then be deleted from NESS's records for all purposes.

New South Wales Electrical Superannuation Scheme Pty Ltd ABN 28 003 156 812 Disclaimer