Check your suitability
Make sure you understand the conditions, as well as any tax or insurance implications.
access your super early on compassionate grounds
Although super is designed to be savings for your future, sometimes you might need access to your funds sooner. If you need help, you may be able to apply to access your super early on compassionate grounds.
what are compassionate grounds?
The grounds for compassionate release of super (CRS) are defined by the ATO, and you’ll need to meet those conditions to be eligible to access your super early.
Medical or dental treatment
To help fund medical or dental treatment or transport to and from these treatments for you or a dependant.
Mortgage repayments
Repayments to prevent your home from being sold by the mortgage lender.
Modifications to your home or vehicle
Modifications to support accessibility for you or a dependant.
Care for terminal medication condition
Pay for palliative care for you or a dependant.
Death-related expenses
Assistance with the costs for a funeral, burial, cremation and other related expenses for the death of a dependant.
who is eligible to apply?
The ATO will only approve to have your super released if you meet the following conditions:
- you are or have been a citizen or permanent resident of Australia, or are or have been a New Zealand citizen
- you can’t afford to pay any or all the expense through any other means apart from super, i.e. by using savings, redrawing your mortgage, selling shares, investments or assets or borrowing money
- you can provide supporting evidence and invoices or quotes for the expenses you’re seeking funds to cover
- if you are applying for a dependant, you can provide evidence to verify the interdependency of your relationship.
how much can I withdraw?
The amount of super that will be released to you on compassionate grounds is limited to the reasonable requirements to meet the required expenses.
It's dependent on ATO approval and is subject to your available super balance.
Things you should know
Money withdrawn early from super can count towards your assessable income for tax purposes. If you’re under 60, this is usually taxed at 17-22%. If you’re over 60, it’s generally tax-free.
Accessing your super early can impact your future retirement income.
Reducing your super balance can have implications for any insurance you may hold, including Income Protection Cover and Total and Permanent Disablement Cover.
Early access to super can also impact the family tax benefit and child support payments.
how to apply
Apply via the ATO
You can apply online or via a paper form accessed from the ATO. The ATO will assess your eligibility, which typically takes 14 days for online applications and up to 28 days for paper applications.
Visit the ATO website to apply
Submit application form
After you’ve been approved by the ATO, you can submit your application to us to release the funds. You’ll need to include a copy of your ATO approval letter with your application.
Compassionate grounds form (PDF)
find support services outside of super
with Ask Izzy*
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.
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.
Need some advice?
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