• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
SuperGuide

SuperGuide

Superannuation and retirement planning information

  • Join Premium
  • Account
  • Log In
  • How super works
      • Super for beginners
      • Employers guide to super
      • Women and super
      • Super rules
      • Super contributions
      • Super and tax
      • Accessing super
      • Super news
      • Super glossary
  • Super funds
      • Best performing super funds
      • Best performing pension funds
      • Super fund rankings
      • Pension fund rankings
      • Super fund profiles
      • Super fund comparison
      • Super fund average returns
      • Super investing strategies
      • Comparing super funds
      • Choosing a super fund
      • Super fund fees
      • Insurance and super
  • SMSFs
      • SMSFs for beginners
      • SMSF strategies
      • SMSF checklists
      • SMSF Q&As
      • SMSF administration
      • SMSF compliance
      • SMSF investing
      • SMSF pensions
  • Plan your retirement
      • Retirement planning for beginners
      • When should I retire?
      • How long will I live?
      • Will I have enough super?
      • Will I get the Age Pension?
      • How much will I spend in retirement?
      • Financial advice
      • Retiring overseas
      • Preparing for retirement
      • Retirement planning strategies
      • Retirement calculators and reckoners
  • In retirement
      • Income in retirement
      • Super lump sums
      • Super pensions
      • Age Pension
      • Working in retirement
      • Life in retirement
      • Seniors concessions and services
      • Aged care
      • Estate planning
      • Super death benefits
  • Special Features
    • Tips and strategies
    • Calculators and reckoners
    • Checklists and how-to guides
    • Case studies
    • Super quizzes
    • Newsletter archive

Home / How super works / Accessing super / Early release of super

Early release of super

Early release of super

Generally you can only access your super if you have reached your preservation age and meet a condition of release (such as retiring or turning 65). Your preservation age is between 55 and 60, depending on your date of birth.

However, the following conditions of release will allow you to access your super early (i.e. prior to reaching your preservation age and meeting a standard condition of release).

  • On compassionate grounds
  • If you’re suffering severe financial hardship
  • If you’re diagnosed with a terminal medical condition
  • If you’re temporarily incapacitated
  • If you’re permanently incapacitated
  • If you’re participating in the First Home Super Saver Scheme
  • If you were a temporary resident who has departed Australia
  • If you have a super account balance below $200

Each of these early super conditions of release has their own strict eligibility criteria.

Set out below are the latest articles that relate to early release of super.

Early release of super due to permanent incapacity

Early release of super due to permanent incapacity

January 18, 2022

If you are unable to ever work again due to physical or mental ill-health, you may be able to tap into your super no matter what your age.

Early release of super due to temporary incapacity

Early release of super due to temporary incapacity

December 3, 2021

If you are temporarily unable to work due to physical or mental ill-health issues, you may be able to access some of your super.

PremiumTaking your super early due to ill health? 7 tips to help

Taking your super early due to ill health? 7 tips to help

November 2, 2021

Retiring early due to poor health can have a real impact on your retirement plans and finances, so here’s 7 tips on what to consider.

Early release of super due to severe financial hardship

Early release of super due to severe financial hardship

April 4, 2020

Accessing super early due to severe financial hardship is possible under Australian law, provided that you meet strict eligibility conditions and your super fund allows it.

Early release of super on compassionate grounds

Early release of super on compassionate grounds

April 1, 2020

Learn the rules for accessing your super early on compassionate grounds, including for paying your mortgage if you are at risk of losing your home.

Early release of super due to a terminal medical condition

Early release of super due to a terminal medical condition

February 25, 2019

Australian super law allows for the full early release of your super if you’re diagnosed with a terminal medical condition, provided your super fund allows it.

Footer

SuperGuide is Australia’s leading superannuation and retirement planning website.

Superguide Pty Ltd ATF Superguide Unit Trust as a Corporate Authorised Representative (CAR) is a Corporate Authorised Representative of Independent Financial Advisers Australia, AFSL 464629.

  • Level 23, 520 Oxford St, Bondi Junction, NSW 2022
  • 1800 955 753

Company

  • About Us
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Contact us
  • Copyright Policy
  • Editorial Policy and Complaints
  • Sitemap

SuperGuide Premium

  • Free SuperGuide newsletter
  • New to SuperGuide?
  • Pricing
  • Subscriber feedback
  • Support
Google Rating
4.8
Based on 32 reviews
js_loader

Important: Disclaimer

All information on SuperGuide is general in nature only and does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider whether any information on SuperGuide is appropriate to you before acting on it. If SuperGuide refers to a financial product you should obtain the relevant product disclosure statement (PDS) or seek personal financial advice before making any investment decisions.

© Copyright SuperGuide 2009-22

  • Full SuperGuide disclaimer
  • Terms and Conditions of Use
  • Financial Services Guide
  • Privacy Policy and Privacy Collection