Super is your savings for your future, so there are some rules around when you can access it. Generally you need to wait until retirement, but you can access it sooner in limited circumstances.
Sometimes life can be extra difficult, and you need a little extra support. In periods of significant financial hardship that prevent you from meeting reasonable immediate expenses, you may be eligible to claim some of your super, or get income support from the government.
About financial hardship
If you need some extra help to afford medical expenses, home modifications or funeral costs, you may apply to access your super early on compassionate grounds. You’ll need to meet some specific conditions to qualify.
More about compassionate grounds
Saving your first home deposit isn’t easy. But the Australian Government’s First Home Super Saver (FHSS) scheme could help you get there faster. You may choose to save towards your deposit by making voluntary before or after-tax contributions to your super.
Discover the FHSS
If you've worked in Australia on a temporary resident visa, you may be able to claim your super when you permanently leave the country — this is called a Departing Australia superannuation payment (DASP).
Check DASP eligibility
Over 60? A transition to retirement (TTR) income stream can help you boost your super balance for when you eventually retire. It can help you restructure the way you receive your income, receiving some from your super while you keep boosting your retirement savings.
A HESTA Retirement Income Stream account allows you to access a regular income from your super while your money keeps working hard for you.
Explore an income stream
With a HESTA Retirement Income Stream, you can make lump sum withdrawals on top of your regular payments. Please note: lump sum withdrawals aren't available for HESTA Transition to Retirement (TTR) accounts.
Lump-sum withdrawals
You may be able to access your super through lump-sum withdrawals from your super account. To qualify, you'll need to meet specific conditions, such as being age 65 or over, or having ceased an employment arrangement on or after age 60.
Log in to make a withdrawal
You may be able to receive a monthly benefit payment through your Income Protection Cover with HESTA if you are temporarily unable to work, or need to reduce your hours due to a physical or mental medical condition.
Income Protection claims
If you have a permanent medical condition that means you are unlikely to return to your usual job, you may be eligible to withdraw your super or turn it into a pension before reaching preservation age.
Permanent incapacity
If you're unlikely to ever return to work due to a permanent illness or injury, and you have Total and Permanent Disablement (TPD) Cover through HESTA, you may be able to make a claim.
TPD claims
If you’re diagnosed with a terminal illness, you may be eligible to claim for the early release of your super and/or a terminal illness insurance benefit if you hold Death Cover with HESTA.
Terminal illness claims
If you're a beneficiary, dependant or the Legal Personal Representative of a HESTA member who passes away, you may be able to claim the superannuation death benefit.
Death claims
Restricted non-preserved benefits are special portions of super, typically employment-related and made before 1 July 1999. You may be able to access these funds earlier under specific circumstances.
Restricted non-preserved benefits
We’ve partnered with Infoxchange, the not-for-profit social enterprise behind Ask Izzy: a free directory that helps Australians find and access local support services.
If you need some help outside of super, the Ask Izzy website can connect you with nearby support services across Australia. You can search for over 450,000 services close to you, including financial assistance, meals, mental health counselling, shelter, family violence support, and much more.
*Ask Izzy is owned and operated by Infoxchange ABN 74 457 506 140.
Third-party services are provided by parties other than H.E.S.T. Australia Ltd and under the terms and conditions of those parties. H.E.S.T. Australia Ltd does not recommend, endorse or accept any responsibility for the products and services offered by third parties or any liability for loss or damage incurred as a result of services provided by third parties. You should exercise your own judgment about the products and services being offered.
Schedule a time to chat one-on-one with one of our super experts.
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For general enquiries, chat online with our chatbot, Liz. You can find the chat at the bottom of this page.
You can find more information about ways to access your super including eligibility and tax implications on the ATO website.
We suggest you seek financial advice before accessing your super. That way, you can get the information you need to make the right financial decisions.
