Home > NTGPASS/NTSSS

NTGPASS/NTSSS Scheme Introduction

Executive Summary

NTGPASS is a defined benefit scheme established by the  Superannuation Act 1986. On 9 August 1999, the scheme was closed to new members.

NTGPASS is a contributory lump sum scheme and covers permanent and certain fixed term employees commencing Territory employment from 1 October 1986. Membership of the NTGPASS is compulsory for eligible employees unless an exemption from membership has been granted.

NTGPASS members are also automatically members of the NTSSS.

NTSSS is a non-contributory lump sum scheme which provides an employer-financed superannuation benefit at the rate of three per cent of salary for each year of service since 1 October 1988. The NTSSS covers most Territory public sector employees (including permanent, temporary, casual or irregular employees, consultants, contractors, board members or office holders) and was modified in 1992 to take into account the superannuation guarantee legislation of the Commonwealth Government. Benefits from the scheme are paid by the Territory at the time employment ceases. There is no NTSSS fund and therefore no employee contributions and no rollovers can be accepted.

NTGPASS and NTSSS are administered by the Commissioner of Superannuation and the staff of the NT Superannuation Office, which is a branch of the Northern Territory Treasury.

For details, please click here for the NTGPASS/NTSSS member information booklet.

How NTGPASS Works

Contributions

Members contribute between 2% and 6% of contribution salary, and may vary their contribution rate once each year on 1 October.

Member contributions and rollovers into the NTGPASS Fund are credited with interest each year.

Accrued employer contributions are paid at the time the benefit becomes due for payment. It is not paid on resignation within the first five years, is partly paid on resignation between five and ten years, and is fully paid thereafter.

Benefit Components

NTGPASS lump sum benefits comprise:

-		member accumulation account balance: a member financed benefit equal to the member’s contributions and rollovers with interest; and
-		accrued employer component: an employer financed benefit determined by the formula:

2.5%

x

Benefit Salary

x

Total Benefit Points Accrued During Membership

x

Vesting Factor

Prospective Employer Component

An additional employer financed benefit    applying to death and invalidity benefits. It is equal to 17.5% of benefit salary for each year of foregone service (service from the member’s cessation date to maximum retirement age - usually 65) but

-		is reduced in the first 10 years of membership where the entitlement results from a pre-existing medical condition or insufficient medical information was provided on entry;
-		is reduced (for employees with a maximum retirement age of 65 years) where death or invalidity retirement occurs after age 50, and is not payable after age 60;
-		is offset (usually fully) where workers compensation benefits are also payable; and
-		is not payable where a member dies and at the time of their death, had no dependants.

Death and invalidity retirement benefits are payable, not withstanding that a member may be on leave without pay.

New Superannuation Arrangements

The NTGPASS is closed to new employees commencing service with the Territory Government after 9 August 1999.  New employees joining after 9 August 1999 will have full choice of superannuation fund to which the employer will contribute the minimum superannuation guarantee, currently 9 per cent of salary.

For details, please refer to the information for New Employees Joining After 9 August 1999.