How to access super on compassionate grounds

Withdraw your super early on compassionate grounds

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.

What are compassionate grounds?

You might be able to withdraw super on compassionate grounds if you or a dependent need:

• medical treatment or transport
• palliative care
• assistive technology or related home or car modifications for disability
• funeral or burial costs for a dependant
• mortgage or council rate arrears to prevent losing your home.

Am I eligible to access my super on compassionate grounds?

To apply for early access to your super on compassionate grounds, you’ll need to meet specific eligibility criteria set by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). These include:

• Evidence the expense hasn’t already been paid (you’ll need invoices, quotes or lender letters).
• You can’t pay for the expense by other means, like with savings or a loan.
• The expense is for you or a dependant, as defined by the ATO.
• You can provide evidence of the expense and your inability to pay.
• You’re an Australian or New Zealand citizen or a permanent resident (temporary residents [Early access – leaving Australia] can only apply once they leave Australia).

Documents you’ll need

Having the right paperwork handy can make applying for super on compassionate grounds a lot smoother. Here’s what you might need:

• Unpaid invoices or quotes for medical treatment or transport, palliative care, disability aids, or home or car modifications.
• Lender or council letters showing arrears and foreclosure or overdue status for mortgage or rates.
• Proof that you can’t pay another way, such as bank statements if requested.
• Proof of identity for Aware Super when you request the release.

How to apply for the release of your super on compassionate grounds

1. Get your paperwork together

Gather all the documents you’ll need, like unpaid invoices or lender letters and proof of identity.

2. Apply to the ATO via myGov

• Log in to myGov
• Go to ‘ATO’
• Select ‘Super’
• Choose ‘Compassionate release’. 

If you can’t apply online, you can call the ATO to request a paper form.

3. Upload your supporting documents and submit your application

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. You’ll receive an approval letter and reference number from the ATO. And they’ll let us know about the outcome of your application.

4. Request release from Aware Super
Log in to Member Online to request your payment. You’ll need to provide your ATO approval details and verify your identity.

Ready to request your payment? Log in to Member Online.

How much tax will I pay?

How your super is taxed depends on your age and the tax components that make up your super. This means:

• If you’re under 60, tax generally applies to lump sum withdrawals
• If you’re 60 or over, lump sum withdrawals from a taxed super fund are generally tax-free.

What to consider

Before you apply for the compassionate release of super, it’s important to understand any impacts or limits.

• Taking money out of your super now reduces your balance and future investment earnings.
• You’ll only be approved for what’s needed to cover the expense. Plus, you’ll need to use the funds for that expense and nothing else.
• You need to show proof that you can’t pay for the expense any other way.
• Large withdrawals or low super balances can affect insurance in your account, so check your cover first.
• If you’re not eligible, consider accessing super early due to financial hardship or speak with your provider about payment plans.
• Check if tax may apply on your withdrawal.

If you need support, get in touch with us – we’re more than happy to help.

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