Access your super
When can I access my super?
You can access your super when you meet certain government set rules, such as reaching an eligible age, retiring, or qualifying for early release.
You can generally access your super if you:
- are 60 or older and have retired or stopped working for an employer
- are 65 or older, whether you’re working or not
- meet the requirements for early release under superannuation law. This may include severe financial hardship, compassionate grounds, terminal illness or permanent incapacity.
If you’re still working, you generally can’t access your super unless you’re eligible for a Transition to Retirement (TTR) income stream, have turned 65, or qualify for early release under superannuation law.
Select the scenario below for guidance
Understand your eligibility, next steps and how to apply.You can generally access your super if you:
- are 60 or older and have permanently stopped working
- stop working for an employer after turning 60, even if you’re still working for another employer or if you later start working again
- are 65 or older, whether you’re working or not.
Once you’re eligible, you can choose to withdraw lump sums, start a Retirement Income account for regular payments, or a combination of both.
Learn more: Explore your Income options in retirement or download the Access your super factsheet for information.
How to apply:
- Open a Retirement Income account: Existing members may be eligible to open Flexible and Managed Income accounts online via their Member Online account, or by using the form at found in the Retirement Income PDS document. Read more.
- Access super as lump sum payments: If the option appears, eligible members can do this online via their Member Online account or by using the Withdrawing your super form.
If you’re aged 60 to 64 and are still working, you may be eligible to start a Transition to Retirement (TTR) Income account. A TTR Income account can help you gradually move from working to retirement while continuing to invest and access your super.
A TTR strategy allows you to:
- reduce your working hours while maintaining your income by accessing some of your super as regular income payments.
- continue working while using salary sacrifice contributions to grow your retirement savings.
- gradually transition into retirement.
Learn more: Explore Transition to Retirement
How to apply: Complete the form in the Transition to Retirement PDS
In limited circumstances, you may be able to access some of your super early if you're experiencing severe financial hardship.
Withdrawal limits apply and you must meet the requirements set out in superannuation law. You must be receiving government income support payments.
When you apply, you'll need to provide supporting evidence, including confirmation of your eligibility where required.
Learn more: Download the Accessing your super under financial hardship factsheet.
How to apply: Complete the form in the factsheet Accessing your super under financial hardship.
You may be able to access some of your super early on compassionate grounds to pay for specific expenses approved under superannuation law.
This may include:
- medical treatment or transport for you or a dependant
- home or vehicle modifications due to severe disability
- palliative care for you or your dependant
- death, funeral or burial expenses for a dependant
- preventing your home from being repossessed or sold by your lender.
You'll need approval from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) before we can process your withdrawal. If approved, you'll then complete our withdrawal form so we can make your payment.
Learn more: Download the Early access to your super factsheet.
How to apply: Apply through the ATO - Accessing your super under financial hardship.
You may be able to access your super early if you're permanently unable to work because of illness or injury, or if you've been diagnosed with a terminal medical condition.
You'll need to provide medical evidence that meets legislative requirements before your application can be assessed.
Because every situation is different, we recommend contacting us so we can guide you through your options.
Learn more: Download the Early access to your super factsheet.
How to apply: Contact us to request a claim pack.
If you're a temporary resident permanently leaving Australia, you may be able to claim your super after you've left Australia and your visa has expired or been cancelled.
You can apply to claim your super as a Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP) through the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).
Australian and New Zealand citizens and permanent residents aren't eligible to claim their super as a DASP.
Learn more: Download the Temporary residents departing Australia factsheet and find out how to protect yourself from DASP scams.
How to apply: Apply through the ATO - Departing Australia superannuation payment (DASP).
If you're an eligible first home buyer, you may be able to withdraw eligible voluntary super contributions and associated earnings to help buy or build your first home under the First Home Super Saver (FHSS) scheme.
The scheme is administered by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). Once the ATO approves your request and sends us a release authority, we'll process your payment.
Learn more: Read about the First Home Super Saver scheme or download our factsheet.
How to apply: Apply through the ATO - First home super saver scheme.
How to apply
- Check your eligibility.
- Complete the relevant CareSuper form or contact the ATO, depending on your circumstances.
- If required, submit the identification and supporting documents.
- Your application will be assessed.
- Payment is made if approved.
Need help?
If you're unsure whether you're eligible to access your super or which option is right for you, contact us on 1800 055 166 or speak to a financial adviser.