A popular article on the SuperGuide website, particularly for our overseas readers, is 12 legal ways to access your super.
I have received many questions from readers, some in serious financial situations or suffering illness who are seeking more information on how to access Australian super benefits early. Other readers seeking early access to super benefits have left Australia permanently, or have even left Australia temporarily.
The most surprising aspect to the range of questions that I have received from readers on this topic is the international reach of our super system and the mobility of the Australian and international workforces – something that the Super System Review should be mindful of when considering the efficiency and structure of our system.
Due to the number of questions that I receive on the issue of early access to super, it is not possible to publish every question but I have selected 12 questions that represent what I believe to be the most popular questions on accessing super early. Four of the questions have been previously published on the website and the remaining 8 questions are new to the website.
If you are seeking background information on how to access your super benefits then I suggest you start with the ’12 legal ways…’ article and then return to this page where I answer 12 questions on accessing super early covering the following topics (click on each link to find out more) .
- Unemployment, financial hardship
- Not for business and tax debts
- Permanent departure from Australia (4 questions)
- Temporary residents can access super
- Living overseas and over the age of 55
- Australian citizen retiring overseas
- Terminal illness
- Serious illness and surgery (2 questions)
Note: The Q and As listed in this article are merely a guide to assist you with the general rules concerning early access of super benefits. You will need to confirm your personal circumstances with your super fund and where applicable, the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA), or the ATO, or Centrelink or your doctor.
Tip: APRA has produced a very handy summary document explaining the rules relating to early release. You can access the document ‘Early Release of superannuation’ here.
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Copyright Trish Power
Hi - I'm Trish Power and I am the author of