Life rarely goes to plan. That’s why you may be able to access super under certain circumstances.

Early release on compassionate grounds is a situation where you are granted access to part or all your super before reaching preservation age.

You may be eligible if you can show there is no way you can cover the expenses arising from a particular circumstance.

Terminal illness

If you’ve been diagnosed with a terminal illness, or suffered a life threatening injury, you may be able to access your super early. It doesn’t matter if you’ve reached your preservation ageCurrently between 57 and 60 years – depending on which year you were bornor not.

The benefit is tax-free, and can be paid out as a lump sum or in smaller amounts over time.

If you have any level of insurance cover with us, you may also be entitled to receive a terminal illness benefit.

We’re here to help, so if you do need your super early, contact us directly.

What you need to know:
  • To access your super due to terminal illness, you’ll need to provide two certificates from registered medical practitioners with a prognosis confirming that you have 24 months or less to live.
  • If you are making a claim on insurance, your policy may state that your terminal certification period is less than 12 months.
  • At least one of your practitioners needs to be an expert in your condition or illness.
  • For a full explanation of the process and conditions, refer to the Member Booklet Supplement - Insurance relevant to your membership.
Mortgage repayments

If you are at risk of having your house sold by the mortgage lender, you may be able to access your super on compassionate grounds.

Access will not be granted if you are unable to pay rent, or if your mortgage repayments are:

  • not yet in arrears;
  • already in arrears, but not to the extent that the lender has decided to sell;
  • for a property that belongs to your dependant, other family member or a friend; or
  • for any property other than your primary home (i.e. this does not include investment properties or second homes).
Medical and dental

Your super may be used to fund medical or dental expenses that aren’t readily available through the public health system or covered by your health insurance.

To satisfy the Department of Human Services' requirements, the condition must be either:

  • life-threatening
  • acute or chronic physical pain
  • acute or chronic mental pain.

Payments can be used to cover the costs of transportation to and from treatment.