Spouse Super

The spouse of an existing VISSF member may become a Spouse Member of the Fund. The existing VISSF member will then be able to make contributions on behalf of the Spouse Member.

How is a spouse defined?Spouse of a person includes:

• another person (whether of the same sex or a different sex) with whom the person is in a relationship that is registered under a law of a State or Territory prescribed for the purposes of section 22B of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901 as a kind of relationship prescribed for the purposes of that section; and
• another person who, although not legally married to the person, lives with the person on a genuine domestic basis in a relationship as a couple.
   

To make contributions for a spouse

• The spouse must be under age 65 at the time the first contribution is made (there is no restriction on the age of the member making the contribution).
• The member and the spouse must be living together at the time contributions are made.
• Contributions made by a member for a spouse will be treated as undeducted contributions.
• The initial contribution must be a minimum of $1,000. Thereafter, there is no limit to the amount of contribution a member can make for their spouse, however the tax rebate, if applicable, may not apply to the total contribution.

 How does the spouse account work? Contributions and rollovers are credited to a Spouse Account held in the name of the member spouse within the Fund. Administration fees and tax payable are deducted from the account and the crediting rate applicable to the investment earnings achieved by the member’s chosen investment option is applied to the balance. The spouse benefit is the balance of the Spouse Account.

• A Spouse Member has the same investment choice options as other VISSF members.
• Benefits in other superannuation funds can be transferred to a VISSF Spouse Account.
• Spouse Members may apply for units of Additional Voluntary Insurance cover

 Spouse contributions Once an existing Fund member has made the initial $1,000 contribution, a Spouse Member will be entitled to make contributions to their own Spouse Account.

It may also be possible for the employer of a Spouse Member to become a participating employer and make contributions to the Fund. More information regarding this option can be obtained from the Fund office.