Early access to super
When you get your superannuation
By law, you generally get your superannuation payout only when you:
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Permanently retire from the workforce, or
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Reach the minimum age set by law (as shown below).
Minimum ages for access to superannuation benefits:
|
Your date of birth |
Minimum age |
| After June 1964 | 60 |
| 1 July 1963 – 30 June 1964 | 59 |
| 1 July 1962 – 30 June 1963 | 58 |
| 1 July 1961 – 30 June 1962 | 57 |
| 1 July 1960 – 30 June 1961 | 56 |
| Before 1 July 1960 | 55 |
Getting your super early
Your superannuation can generally be paid out early only if:
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You die.
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You become totally and permanently disabled.
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You are in severe financial hardship or there are compassionate grounds.
Contact your super fund to find out more about accessing your super.
Severe financial hardship
If the rules of your fund allow early release of benefits in circumstances of financial hardship, you must satisfy the trustee that:
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You have been receiving an Australian Government income support payment for a continuous period of 26 weeks, and
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You cannot meet your reasonable and immediate family living expenses.
Contact your super fund for more information.
Compassionate grounds
If the rules of your fund allow early release of benefits on compassionate grounds, the circumstances are set out in the law. The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority must consider your application before your fund trustee can make a final decision. Compassionate grounds are limited to:
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Medical treatment for serious conditions that is not readily available through the public health system.
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Transport for medical treatment.
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Changes to a home or vehicle because of a severe disability.
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Palliative care.
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Funeral and burial expenses.
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Prevention of the forced sale of your home by your mortgagee.
Contact your super fund or visit the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority website for more information about early release on compassionate grounds.