financial hardship
check your eligibility to claim financial hardship
To apply to withdraw some of your super under financial hardship, you must meet the eligibility criteria for that claim type that applies to you.
You must meet all the eligibility criteria under one of the following claim types:
Claim type 1
Eligibility criteria
- You have been on eligible Commonwealth income support payments or you've received income support payments from the Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA) for a continuous period of at least 26 weeks and continue to be on those support payments at the date of your financial hardship application.
- You're unable to meet reasonable and immediate living expenses.
- You're an Australian or New Zealand citizen or a permanent resident of Australia.
How much you can withdraw from your super
You can apply for one payment of up to $10,000 gross (which is before tax) in a 12-month period.
The amount is paid and taxed as a lump sum. For most people, this means the maximum net amount you may receive is up to $7,800. Learn more on the ATO website.
Claim type 2: over age 60 (preservation age) plus 39 weeks
Eligibility criteria
- You have been on eligible Commonwealth income support payments or you've received income support payments from the Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA) for a cumulative period of 39 weeks after you have reached age 60 (or after you've reached your preservation age).
- You were not gainfully employed on a full-time or part-time basis on the date of application.
- You're an Australian or New Zealand citizen or a permanent resident of Australia.
Note, if you are over preservation age (now age 60) and still working, you may be able to eligible to make an application under Claim Type 1.
How much you can withdraw from your super
You can apply for any amount if you’ve reached age 60 (preservation age) plus 39 weeks.
The amount is paid and taxed as a lump sum. If you’re aged under 60 the amount will be taxed by up to 22%. If you’re aged over 60, the amount will be tax-free. Learn more on the ATO website.
things to consider before you apply
- Any insurance cover you have will cease if you don’t have enough funds remaining in your super account to pay insurance fees or upon full withdrawal of this benefit.
- If you select the full account balance under Claim type 2, we will close your account and any insurance cover you have will also stop.
- If you have made after-tax super contributions into your account, you might be able to claim a tax deduction. To claim a tax deduction for after-tax super contributions, you must send us a Notice of intent to claim before you withdraw your super benefit, transfer any part of your account to a retirement income account or close your account. For more information see Claiming a tax deduction.
what you'll need to apply
Identification details
You need to provide either your ID document details and consent to verify your identity electronically e.g. Medicare, passport or driver licence, or send us certified copies of your identity documents via email or post.
Government support information
Provide your Centrelink Reference Number (CRN) and authorise us to check that you've been receiving eligible Commonwealth income support payments, or provide us with a Centrelink income support payment confirmation letter which must not be more than 21 days from the date of your application.
If you receive income support from the Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA), please provide your DVA number and attach a letter from the DVA that details the payment type and the period the payment has been made from. Visit dva.gov.au to learn more.
Financial hardship application
You'll need to complete your financial hardship application through your online account or via paper form with all the required information, including your bank account details and how much you're applying for.
apply for financial hardship
If you meet the eligibility criteria under Claim type 1 or Claim type 2, you can choose to apply online or via a paper form.
How to apply for financial hardship
Apply online
The fastest way to apply for a financial hardship payment is through your online account.
Log in to your account and go to More actions > Access your super.
Log in to apply for financial hardship
Use the paper form
1. Read and complete the Financial hardship fact sheet and form (PDF).
2. Ensure you’ve provided us with all your supporting documentation.
3. Return your completed form and other supporting documentation to us via email: hesta@hesta.com.au or mail to: HESTA, Locked Bag 35007, Collins St West, VIC 8007.
What happens next?
Your application will be reviewed as soon as possible, and if we determine you're eligible to access your super due to financial hardship, your payment will be processed within 3–5 business days.
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 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 430,000 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.