Accessing super to be a carer and work part-time

Q: I am aged 40 and intending to finish work and care for my elderly dad. Can I withdraw my super and can I work a few hours?

If you look at the severe financial hardship section of SuperGuide you will find a lot of helpful information about the rules for accessing super on the grounds of severe financial hardship and on compassionate grounds.

The severe financial hardship rules require you to be on a social security benefit (you apply via your super fund). I assume you will be on a carers allowance.

The ‘compassionate grounds’ rules however generally relate to mortgage stress or medical need. You must apply to Centrelink, and you can find additional information on compassionate grounds on the Centrelink website here.

The following SuperGuide articles may be of assistancet:

• Accessing super early: Unemployed and in financial hardship
• Accessing super early: 12 legal reasons to cash your super
• Should I retire? I’m unemployed and have debt

I wish you all the best with looking after your father.