Accessing super

When can you access your super?

Usually you cannot access your super until you have reached your preservation age. 

However, under government legislation you may access your super in special circumstances.

You can access your super when:

  • You retire after reaching your preservation age 
  • You cease employment on or after age 60
  • You reach age 65
  • You suffer permanent incapacity (as defined in the superannuation law)
  • You suffer severe financial hardship (you will need to satisfy the Trustee in relation to a number of criteria set down by law before any part of your preserved benefit can be released)
  • the ATO approves the release of some or all of your benefits on compassionate grounds
  • You are a temporary resident (apart from NZ citizens) on particular types of visa departing Australia permanently
  • You leave employment and your total preserved benefit is less than $200
  • You have an unrestricted non-preserved component of your benefit
  • You leave employment and have a restricted non-preserved component of your benefit