your savings, your future
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 sometimes (if you really need it) you can access it sooner.
When can you access your super?
One of the first things to understand about accessing your super are the 'preservation rules' which the government has put in place.
One of these rules is that contributions and investment earnings added to your super after 1 July 1999 is preserved (meaning you can't touch it) until certain conditions are met.
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.
Sometimes, life is hard. Really hard.
If you’re affected by debt or have compassionate needs, you may be able to access some of your super early.
Are you facing financial hardship?
You might be able to access your super if:
- you've received a Commonwealth income support payment continuously for the last 26 weeks
- you can prove that you can’t meet reasonable and immediate family living expenses.
Do you have compassionate needs?
There are 'compassionate grounds' on which super can be released early. They relate to medical treatment, funeral assistance, and palliative care.
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) deals with the early release of super on compassionate grounds.
To access the ATO application form, go here or visit ato.gov.au linked services in myGov. Alternatively call the ATO on 13 10 20.
Are you are a temporary resident?
If you're a temporary Australian resident, you can claim your super when you permanently leave the country.
Temporary Australian residents can also access super before they leave, but only under certain conditions.
Go to the ATO's Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP) online application system for more information.
