Early access to superannuation

Contributions to superannuation are kept till the time one retires. But you may be able to file a claim for access to your super fund early under certain conditions.

The method you use to apply for early release of your super is determined by the type of claim you’re filing.You may hold entitlement to access your super early if:

  • You have been receiving Centrelink assistance for at least six months and are unable to meet your basic needs.
  • You’re above the age of retirement (55-60), have been receiving Centrelink payments for nine months, and have no intention of returning to regular work.
  • You are over the age of retirement (55-60) yet continue to work.
  • You need money to pay for palliative care, burial costs, disability-related adaptations to your house or car, or medical and transportation costs for yourself or a dependent.
  • If you are in financial difficulties, you must make loan repayments to save your house from being sold.
  • You are unable to work indefinitely.
  • You’ve been diagnosed with a terminal illness.
  • The amount saved is $200 or less.
  • You are a temporary resident who intends to depart Australia permanently.

According to the type of early access claim you’re making, you’ll need to submit an application to either your super fund or the Australian Taxation Office. Applications are made through the Australian Taxation Office if you’re not a permanent resident.

The law regarding superannuation can be confusing hence seek guidance.

Further information on accessing your super early

The way you apply for early release of your super will depend on the category of claim you are making. Calculating your insurance entitlements can be tricky, depending on which superannuation fund you are a member of and when you stopped work. Sometimes claimants find it difficult to get accurate information from their fund. Sometimes there is complex policy conditions hidden in the fine print.

You may be eligible to access your super early if:

  • you have been on Centrelink payments for at least six months and can’t pay your living expenses
  • you are over the minimum retirement age (55-60), have been on Centrelink payments for nine months, and won’t be going back to regular work
  • you are over the minimum retirement age (55-60) and still working
  • you need money to pay for palliative care, funeral expenses, modifications to your home or car as a result of a disability, or medical and transport expenses for you or a dependant
  • you need to make loan repayments to prevent the sale of your home if you are in financial distress
  • you are permanently incapacitated for work
  • you have a terminal illness
  • the preserved amount is $200 or less
  • you are a temporary resident and permanently leave Australia.

Applications are made to either your super fund or the Australian Taxation Office, depending on which category of early access claim you are making. If you’re a temporary resident, applications are made through the Australian Taxation Office.

How to withdraw your super

The law surrounding superannuation can be complex, but we can help you understand and navigate your insurance entitlements, and help you successfully make a claim—so you can get the financial comfort you deserve in your time of need.

If you are unable to work due to an illness or disability, you may be able to claim an insurance payout from your superannuation. There are time limits for making a super claim, so contact Taxcellent Consulting Services today.

Why Taxcellent Consulting Services?

Taxcellent Consulting Services superannuation and insurance claims lawyers are experts in the field. We can help you to gain early access to your funds when you need them the most, and we understand the importance of having someone in your corner when you’re taking on a well-resourced insurance company.

We offer ‘no win, no fee’* arrangements for these types of cases, which means that you don’t have to pay for our legal services if we don’t win. We have superannuation and insurance claims lawyers in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Darwin and throughout Australia. Contact us today to receive a free superannuation and insurance check and to find out how we can help.

All you need to know about superannuation insurance

Most superannuation policies have insurance elements which are there to protect you if you can’t work for any medical reason. We’ll explain who can make a claim and how the legal process works.

“It was a very, very frustrating time and I just didn’t know where to turn.”

Robert's story - Superannuation claims

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Our superannuation claim lawyers are experienced in winning fair compensation for our clients on a no win, no fee basis.

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