There is a work test for superannuation that determines your eligibility to make personal contributions if you are aged 65 and over and less than 75 and working.
At the time you are contributing, you must have been gainfully employed during the financial year for at least 40 hours over a period of no more than 30 consecutive days.
Gainful employment means you are employed or self-employed for gain or reward in any business trade, profession, vocation, calling, occupation or employment. This means you may be considered gainfully employed if you are in the business and paid for gardening, consulting, cleaning and so on.
The 30 days can be any 30 consecutive days within the financial year – they don’t have to be in one particular month.
It’s a minimum requirement. There are no maximum limits to how much you can work.
If you satisfy this work test, it means you are able to contribute to super.
The government co-contribution scheme is subject to the work test as well as an income test.
The spouse contribution scheme has age restrictions and the recipient is subject to this work test. From age 65 and onwards, if you are employed but do not meet the work test, your employer can still make compulsory contributions on your behalf (but not voluntary additional contributions). But you will not be able to make personal contributions or be eligible for the government co-contribution scheme.