Thinking about taking money out of super early? Check your eligibility.
Reasons you might get early access to super
You can sometimes access your super before retirement. But you must meet strict rules. For example, you may qualify if you face severe financial hardship, need to pay certain medical or compassionate expenses, or can’t work due to illness or injury.
You may apply through your super fund, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), or both. It depends on your situation.
To check the rules for early access to super:
- visit the ATO's early access to super
- call the ATO on 13 10 20
- if you're Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, call the ATO’s dedicated Indigenous helpline on 13 10 30.
Here's a summary of the main reasons you may qualify for early access to super.
Severe financial hardship
You may qualify for early access to super if you can’t pay urgent living costs and you currently receive income support.
- Before age 60: You can apply to withdraw up to $10,000. You must have been getting eligible income support for at least 26 weeks. You must also have no other way to pay your living costs. You can use this option once every 12 months.
- From age 60: If you’re 60 or over and not employed, you can usually access your super.
Your super fund decides if you qualify. You can let your fund check with Services Australia, or you can ask Services Australia for proof you’re in financial hardship.
Carolyn applies to access her super before retirement
Carolyn is 45 and has been receiving income support while looking for work for 9 months. She fell behind on rent and applied to her super fund for early access to super under the severe financial hardship rules. On the form, she let her fund check with Services Australia and said she had no other way to pay her bills. Her fund approved the request and paid the money into her bank account.
Compassionate release
You may be able to access super early on compassionate grounds to pay for certain costs for you or your dependant. You must have no other way to pay.
The ATO only approves compassionate release for specific expense types, including:
- medical treatment
- medical transport
- home or vehicle modifications needed due to disability
- palliative care
- funeral costs
- mortgage payments to stop your home being sold.
You’ll need evidence, such as quotes or invoices. Apply through the ATO.
Permanent or temporary incapacity
You may be able to access your super if you can't work because of illness or injury.
- Permanent incapacity: You’re unlikely to work again in a role you are reasonably qualified for by education, training or experience. You may also be able to claim insurance held through your super.
- Temporary incapacity: If you have income protection cover in your super, you may be able to claim while you can't work for a period due to illness or injury. Your cover and conditions depend on your policy.
Check with your super fund for what cover you have, how to claim, and what medical information you'll need.
Terminal illness or injury
You may be able to access your super early if two doctors confirm you have a terminal illness or injury. One doctor must be a specialist in your condition. The doctors must also confirm you’re expected to live for less than 24 months.
To apply, contact your super fund. Your fund will tell you what forms you need and what medical proof to provide.
If you have insurance in your super, you may also be able to make a claim at the same time. Your fund can tell you what cover you have and what the insurer will need.
Other ways to access super before retirement
You may be able to access your super early in a few other situations.
These include:
- First Home Super Saver Scheme: You can make extra contributions into your super, then take out eligible contributions to help buy your first home. Find out more about the FHSS scheme.
- Temporary residents: If you worked in Australia on a temporary visa, you can usually claim your super when you leave Australia.
- Small balances: In limited cases, you may be able to withdraw a small balance (for example, if an account has less than $200).
If you're thinking about leaving a defined benefit fund, consider getting professional advice to understand the implications. These funds work differently from other super funds. If you leave, you usually can't rejoin.
Key actions you can take
- Check which early-access option may apply to your situation.
- Read the ATO rules and what evidence you need.
- Get your details ready (for example, quotes, invoices or medical certificates).
- Apply through the ATO and/or your super fund.
- If you're unsure, ask your super fund or the ATO to explain the rules and process.