How retirement-ready is your super fund? Here’s what really matters

Most Australians spend years focused on growing their super. But as retirement gets closer, attention often shifts from building wealth to making it last – and what you might need from your super fund will start to change. The quality of guidance and resources your fund provides to navigate uncertainty and fears can become just as important as how it's growing.

It's one reason why retirement support has become a bigger focus across the super industry. The Epic Retirement Tick, independently developed by retirement educator Bec Wilson and research house Chant West, assesses whether super funds have the products, tools, services and support structures in place to help members navigate retirement. 

In 2026, AMP Super was one of only eight fund out of 45 recognised with the Epic Retirement Tick, highlighting a number of strengths in AMP Super’s offering, including our Lifetime product, Digital Financial Advice for no extra cost, retirement education, online servicing, fast payments, and cyber security and fraud prevention.

We spoke to Julie Slapp, AMP's Director for Growth and Customer Solutions, about what the recognition says about the changing role of super funds and what Australians should expect from theirs.

Q: Are Australians asking enough of their super fund?

Julie: I think Australians are becoming much more engaged with their super, and that's a positive thing.

For a long time, many people are just focused on their balance growing, which is important. But as retirement gets closer, people naturally start asking different questions. They want to know what support is available, where they can go for guidance and whether their fund will help them make important decisions.

That's one of the things I like about the conversation the Epic Retirement Tick is creating. It's encouraging people to look beyond the basics and ask what their fund can actually provide when they need it most.

Q: What should a super fund actually do for you?

Julie: A super fund should do much more than simply hold your money.

Of course, strong investment performance and competitive fees matter. But ultimately, a super fund should help people build confidence about their financial future and support them through major life transitions, including retirement.

A good super fund should help simplify complex decisions and give members the confidence to understand their options.

Q: Why aren't fees and performance the full story?

Julie: They're incredibly important, but they're not the only things that matter.

One of the themes that comes through strongly in the Epic Retirement Tick is that retirement support is about much more than investment performance and fees. It also looks at things like retirement income solutions, education, calculators, advice, digital services, customer support and cyber security.

For example, retirement income solutions such as AMP Super Lifetime Boost and AMP Lifetime Retirement Income are designed to help members deal with their fear of running out of money and create a more reliable income stream that lasts for life.

Consider two people with similar super balances. One has access to tools that help them understand their retirement income options, guidance when they need it, and a retirement coach who helps them prepare for the transition to retirement with confidence. The other is left to navigate these decisions alone. While their starting balances may be the same, their experiences and outcomes can be very different.

Access to support can lead to better decisions, greater confidence, and a clearer path to retirement, whereas a lack of support can leave people uncertain about what their future holds and less confident in making the most of their retirement savings.

Q: Is one of the biggest challenges simply knowing where to start?

Julie: Absolutely. We often assume the hardest part is making the decision. Often it's actually knowing what questions to ask in the first place.

People worry about making the wrong choice, running out of money or overlooking something important. Those fears can sometimes stop them from taking action altogether.

That's why support matters so much. Whether it's a calculator, a webinar, digital guidance or a conversation with someone who can help, confidence often comes from understanding.

Tools such as our AMP Retirement Simulator can help people better understand how long their savings might last and what their retirement income could look like.  

Q: Why has advice become such a big part of the retirement conversation?

Julie: Retirement decisions are becoming more complex. People are living longer, retirement can last 30 or 40 years, and there are more choices available than ever before. That's a good thing, but it also means people may need support navigating those choices.

Not everybody needs comprehensive advice. But many people benefit from some form of guidance to help them understand things like retirement income, investment options and how the Government Age Pension fits into the picture.

AMP Super members have access to Digital Financial Advice for no extra fees – this includes online tools such as a Retirement Planner and a Super Projection, but also includes phone-based chats with our expert intrafund advisers, who can advise on your personal investment strategy, insurance needs, contribution strategy and more.

The Epic Retirement Tick assessment places such a strong focus on affordable advice, guidance and support. Retirement shouldn't feel like something you have to figure out entirely on your own. 

Q: What are people overlooking when they compare super funds?

Julie: Service. Most Australians are familiar with comparing fees and investment performance. Fewer stop to think about what happens when they actually need help.

Can you access tools online? Can you easily update your details or complete key transactions? Can you speak to someone without waiting forever if you need support? Is information presented in a way that's easy to understand?

The reality is that retirement isn't just about products. It's also about the support and service surrounding those products. That's something the Epic Retirement Tick specifically assesses.

Q: What do you think the Epic Retirement Tick gets right?

Julie: What I appreciate most is that it isn't a ranking. It's not telling Australians which fund to choose. Instead, it's helping people understand what good retirement support looks like and encouraging them to ask better questions.

The criteria cover a broad range of areas, from retirement income solutions and advice through to education, digital capabilities, service standards and cyber security.

For us, it makes me proud because many of the areas recognised are the same areas we've been investing in to improve outcomes for members, including retirement education, retirement coaches, digital advice and retirement income solutions. 

Q: What's one question every Australian should ask their super fund?

Julie: I'd ask: 'How can you help me create the retirement I want, not just the one I can afford?'

Whether retirement is five years away or 25 years away, there will come a time when you'll want more than a balance and an annual statement. You will need to understand what that balance can translate into for your income, what are some smart strategies to maximise your income while ensuring you do not run out but also providing protection if you need aged care.

You'll want to understand all your options. You'll want to know where to go for guidance - and if it's going to cost you money. You'll want confidence that someone can help you navigate important decisions but also be there for when things change.

The funds that stand out in the years ahead will be the ones helping members feel informed, supported and confident throughout that journey.

And ultimately, that's what retirement readiness is all about.