Getting your super

Last updated: 6 August 2026

Learn when you can access your super and what you can do with it.

When can you withdraw your super?

Super is money set aside during your working life to help fund your retirement. Because it’s designed for retirement, there are rules about when you can access it.  

If you're new to super, learn more about how super works. 

You can access your super:

• From age 60: If you’re retired or leave a job. You can also open a Transition to Retirement account to access some of your super while you’re still working.
• From age 65: Whether you’re still working or not. Everyone can access their super once they turn 65.
• Early access: There are some circumstances where you can access some or all of your super before retirement. Read our early access to super page to find out more.

How are super withdrawals taxed?

If you meet one of the conditions above (from age 60 or 65), you can usually take money out of your super tax free.

There are some exceptions. Check the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) website to learn more.

What you can do with your super

Once you can access your super, you don’t have to take it all out at once. You can use any of the options below on their own, or in combination.

You can:	What this is	Tax on investment earnings	Can you change your mind?
Leave it in super	You can leave your money in super as long as you like and just apply to take some out when you need it.	15%	Yes. You can choose to do something else with it whenever you like.
Start an account-based pension	This type of account pays you a regular income stream. You can also take out bigger amounts when you want to.	0%	Yes. You can generally close your account-based pension at any time. Once you open it, you can't add more money to it. You'd need to open another account.
Withdraw your super and put it somewhere else	You can take your money out of the super system and invest it in some other way.	At your marginal income tax rate	Maybe not. Once you take your money out of super, there are restrictions on putting it back in.
Start an annuity or lifetime income stream	This type of account pays you a regular income for the rest of your life.	Differs across products	Generally not once the cooling off period ends.
Use a Transition to Retirement account	You can use this account between the ages of 60 and 65 if you want to start using your super but you're still working.	15% on investment earnings. You may also be eligible for tax offset on payments. See the ATO website for details.	Yes. You can generally convert this back to a super account.

It’s worth knowing that the choices you make with your super can affect your eligibility for things like the Age Pension. It may be worth getting some financial advice before you make a decision.

If you have a Defined Benefit account

If you have a Defined Benefit account that can be turned into a defined benefit pension, get advice from your super fund or a financial adviser before you take action.

Defined Benefit accounts work differently. Keeping your Defined Benefit account in retirement might give you bigger benefits than the choices above.

How super fits into your retirement income 

Your super is only one part of your retirement income. 

The Age Pension, personal savings, investments and other assets can all play a role. Decisions about your super can affect your eligibility for other income sources, so it helps to look at the bigger picture.

Learn more about bringing your retirement income together.