Early access on compassionate grounds

When you apply, ensure you have all the required evidence ready so your application can be assessed as quickly as possible.

We recommend you wait for the outcome of your application and ensure you have received payment from your fund before you book the treatment or services that you have applied for.

Each application is individually assessed against the legislative requirements. We cannot guarantee your application will be approved.

There are very limited circumstances when you can access your superannuation early. You may be allowed to withdraw some of your super on compassionate grounds for unpaid expenses. This is where you have no other means of paying for these expenses.

The amount of super you can withdraw is limited to what you reasonably need to meet the unpaid expense.

Compassionate grounds include needing money to pay for:

• medical treatment and medical transport for you or your dependant
• making a payment on a home loan or council rates so you don't lose your home
• modifying your home or vehicle to accommodate your or your dependant's severe disability
• palliative care for you or your dependant
• expenses associated with the death, funeral or burial of your dependant.

The super you withdraw is paid and taxed as a normal super lump sum. The tax rate depends on various factors, including your age and the components of the super lump sum. Your super fund will automatically deduct the tax from your super account. Refer to our How tax applies to your super and Super lump sum tax table for more information.

If you are a member of an exempt public sector super scheme (EPSSS), do not apply to us. You need to apply directly to your super scheme for early release of super. EPSSS have their own state and territory laws for early release of super. Talk to your super fund to find out if you are a member of an EPSSS.

Be aware that some advisers claim to offer early access to your super by transferring your super into a self-managed super fund (SMSF). These schemes are illegal and there are heavy penalties if you participate. For more information, refer to Illegal early release of super.

Find out about

• Eligibility for compassionate release of super
• Definition of a dependant
• Understanding your options
• Evidence required for your application
• How to apply
• If you don't agree with the decision we make
• How to withdraw your application

See also

• Early access to your super