When you can access your super savings early
Compassionate grounds
Permanently leaving Australia
Temporary residents who earned super while working and living in Australia can apply to have super paid out as a Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP) after you leave. For details, please read the Claiming super when you leave Australia fact sheet. If eligible, apply online or download a form at the ATO website. If transferring to a KiwiSaver, please see the Transfer your account to your KiwiSaver form.
Terminal illness or permanent incapacity
If you're diagnosed with a terminal illness or are permanently incapacitated, you may be able to claim some or all your super. For detailed guidance and support through this situation, please call us between 8am-8pm AEST/AEDT weekdays.
First Home Super Saver Scheme
The First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSSS) allows you to access some of your super to help fund the purchase of your first home. You must be aged 18 years or older, have never owned a property before in Australia and not be in the process of using FHSSS to purchase other property. For detailed information, please read our Using your super to buy your first home fact sheet, or to apply please visit ato.gov.au
Left your employer and have less than $200 in your account
Financial hardship
Unrestricted non-preserved super
You could be able to access your super early if you have unrestricted non-preserved super (which is usually after-tax contributions made before 1 July 1999). Check whether you have unrestricted non-preserved super by logging into your account online.
Member Direct investors
If you have an investment in the Member Direct option and there are insufficient funds in your Accumulation and Member Direct cash account, you may need to consider selling some of your investments before submitting a withdrawal request. Term Deposits that haven't matured may incur penalties. For more information, please see the Member Direct guide.
Early access and insurance cover
If you need to access you super early due to illness or injury, also consider whether you can make a claim on any insurance1 cover you may have. Check your insurance status by logging into your account online or via the mobile app. Alternatively, call us on 1300 300 273 8am to 8pm AEST/AEDT weekdays.
If your payment reduces your account balance it may affect your insurance cover. To maintain insurance cover, you’ll need to have enough money in your super account to pay for it. In some circumstances insurance cover can cease, such as if no contributions are received in your super account for 16 months – you can apply to extend cover, providing you have at least $1,000 in your super account.
To learn more about the other factors that could impact your insurance cover read our Insurance in your super guide.
- AustralianSuper insurance is provided by TAL Life Limited (the Insurer) ABN 70 050 109 450, AFSL 237848.
- Personal financial product advice is provided under the Australian Financial Services Licence held by a third party and not by AustralianSuper Pty Ltd. Some personal advice may attract a fee, which would be outlined before any work is completed and is subject to your agreement. With your approval, the fee for advice relating to your AustralianSuper account may be deducted from your AustralianSuper account subject to eligibility criteria.