Accessing your super

The following information applies to the majority of Australians. However, different rules apply to certain super products. We recommend logging in to check what type of account/s you hold and then checking the PDS or member guide/s for details.

Access at a glance

Under Australian law, super contributions must be preserved (that is, kept) in a super fund until you satisfy certain 'conditions of release'.

Conditions of release

Your super cannot be taken out as a lump sum until you meet a condition of release. Conditions of release include:

• You have reached age 65*

• On or after reaching age 60* you have stopped gainful employment with an employer

• You are aged 60 or more and have retired permanently from gainful employment

• You die or become totally and permanently incapacitated (as defined in the legislation)

• You have a preserved benefit of less than $200* and you cease employment or are an eligible temporary resident departing permanently from Australia

• You have a terminal medical condition (as defined in the legislation)

• You have successfully applied to the ATO for a compassionate grounds release**. Go here to find out how to apply to the ATO *

• You are approved for a severe financial hardship release**.

• You access your super under the First Home Super Saver Scheme**.

*These conditions of release are not available to you if you are a temporary resident unless you hold or held a sub-class visa 405 or 410

**For these conditions of release, limits apply

Some things to consider

Before accessing your super, it's worth considering things like:

• How your money will be taxed depending on whether your money is inside or outside super

• The impact of withdrawing your super on your Age Pension eligibility

• The investment options available to you

• Whether you still need to keep a super account open for contributions from an employer

This can get complicated, so we've summarised tax information in our guides.