1 general conditions of employment - Department of Education and ...

9 SUPERANNUATION9.3 STATE AUTHORITIES SUPERANNUATION SCHEME (SASS)9.3.1 INTRODUCTIONThe State Authorities Superannuation Scheme (SASS) is a defined benefit scheme governed bythe State Authorities Superannuation Act 1987, the State Authorities Non-contributorySuperannuation Act 1987 and the Superannuation Administration Act 1996. It is administered byPillar on behalf of the scheme’s Trustee.9.3.2 MEMBERSHIP OF SASSFrom 1 July 1985 new employees were eligible to join the State Public Service SuperannuationScheme (SPSSS). The SPSSS was replaced by SASS which started on 1 April 1988. Membersof SPSSS transferred to SASS with existing entitlements.SASS closed to new members on 18 December 1992.As there is some variation to the standard features of the scheme for members who transferredinto SASS from the older, closed schemes, these members should check their individualcircumstances with the Pillar Customer Service Centre before making any decisions on theoptions that may be available to them.Members of SASS can choose to make personal ("top up") contributions to First State Super(FSS).9.3.3 SASS CONTRIBUTIONS FOR MEMBERS ON UNPAID LEAVE9.3.3.1 “Prescribed Leave”"Prescribed leave” is a period of leave without pay during which the member:• is on sick leave without pay *;• gets workers' compensation payments;• is on maternity/adoption leave without pay *;• is seconded to a non-fund employer;• does union duties (six months or less, approved by the Department);• does approved duties for the Department or the State;• is on service with the naval, military or air forces of the Commonwealth;• is on approved study leave without pay* (with financial assistance only).* The Commonwealth’s occupational superannuation standards prohibit employersponsoredsuperannuation funds from accepting contributions for persons who havenot been employed either full-time or part-time (at least ten hours a week) during theprevious two years. From 1 January 1994, a continuous period of "prescribed leave"for more than two years of sick, maternity, adoption and study leave without payceases to be "prescribed leave" and Pillar must be advised. The member cannotelect to pay the employer contributions during this period.Handbook for non teaching staff in schools Page 9 − 4