Unexpected expenses, such as urgent medical bills or the loss of a loved one, can create significant stress both emotionally and financially. If you're in a situation where you need financial help, you may be able to access some of your super early.
Here’s what compassionate grounds covers, how to check whether your expense may be eligible, how to apply, and what to consider before taking money out of your super.
Compassionate grounds may let you access some of your super early to pay for specific unpaid expenses, where you can’t meet the cost another way. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) decides if you’re eligible. You apply to the ATO first. If they approve your application, you then ask Aware Super to release the approved amount from your super.
You might be able to withdraw super on compassionate grounds if you or a dependent need:
| Cost | Eligible for compassionate grounds |
|---|---|
| Medical treatment or medical transport, for you or a dependant | Yes |
| Changes to your home or car, for you or a dependant living with a severe disability | Yes |
| Palliative care, for you or a dependant with a terminal illness | Yes |
| Death, funeral or burial costs for a dependant | Yes |
| Mortgage or council rates to help stop losing your home | Yes |
| Rent | No — this may be financial hardship instead |
| Groceries and everyday bills | No — this may be financial hardship instead |
| Credit card or personal loan debt | No |
| Dental or mental health treatment | Maybe — the ATO decides case by case if it's medically needed |
Note: A dependant is someone who relies on you financially, like your partner or child.
In addition to having an eligible expense, you’ll need to meet specific eligibility criteria set by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). These include:
Having everything ready helps us assess your payment request faster.
For your ATO application, you'll need:
For your Aware Super application, you'll need:
Before you start, check that:
Gather all the documents you’ll need, like unpaid invoices and proof of identity.
The ATO will assess your eligibility against the compassionate grounds criteria. Most applications are processed within 14 days, or up to 28 days if you use a paper form. If approved, the ATO will send you an approval letter with a reference number.
If the ATO approves your application, apply to Aware Super and provide the approval letter and required documents.
How your super is taxed depends on your age and the tax components that make up your super. This means:
For example, if you are under 60 and withdraw $10,000, you may receive around $7,800 after tax. We take any tax out before we pay you.
You can also read how super is taxed in the Super Handbook.
Before you apply for the compassionate release of super, it’s important to understand any impacts or limits.
If compassionate grounds isn't an option for you, these services may help:
Apply to the ATO first. Once the ATO approves your application, provide the approval letter and required documents to Aware Super so the approved amount can be released.
The ATO usually assesses online claims within 14 days, or up to 28 days for a paper form. Once Aware Super has the approval letter and everything else required, payment is usually processed within 3 to 5 business days. Your bank may take another 1 to 2 business days to release the funds.
Possibly. The ATO only approves the amount needed to cover the eligible expense. If that amount is your whole balance, your account will close and any insurance cover held through Aware Super will be cancelled.
Yes. Call 1300 650 873 for help applying by phone or complete the paper form and return it with your documents.
No. These costs may fall under financial hardship instead.
Yes, if the person is your dependant, meaning someone who relies on you financially, such as your partner or child.
[AD2] Members can get advice about their Aware Super accounts at no extra cost, or advice on their broader needs for a fee.
