Can I access my super early?

Yes, in limited circumstances: severe financial hardship (unable to meet immediate living expenses for 26 weeks), compassionate grounds (medical treatment, preventing foreclosure, funeral costs), terminal illness, permanent incapacity, or the FHSS scheme for first home buyers. All applications go through your super fund or the ATO.

What is the First Home Super Saver Scheme?

The FHSS scheme allows individuals to withdraw voluntary super contributions (up to $15,000/year and $50,000 total) to purchase their first home. You must apply through the ATO and the money is released by your super fund. The scheme provides tax advantages because contributions were taxed at 15% going in, compared to your marginal rate.

How is a super withdrawal taxed before age 60?

Between preservation age and 60: the tax-free component is always tax-free. The taxable component is tax-free up to the low-rate cap ($235,000 in 2024-25) and taxed at 15% above that. Before preservation age (early access), the taxable component is taxed at your marginal rate plus Medicare levy, minus a 15% offset.

What happens to my super if I leave Australia permanently?

Temporary residents who permanently leave Australia can claim their super through the Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP). The taxable component is taxed at 35% (65% for working holiday visa holders). Unclaimed super may be transferred to the ATO. Australian citizens and permanent residents cannot use DASP.

Super Withdrawal Estimator

AI + Live Data

Estimate how much you can withdraw from super, when you can access it, and the tax implications.

Free to useNo data storedReal-time dataAI insightsUpdated: February 2026

Accessing your superannuation is governed by strict rules called 'conditions of release.' In most cases, you can only withdraw super after reaching preservation age and retiring, or turning 65. However, there are several early access provisions for hardship, compassionate grounds, the First Home Super Saver Scheme, and terminal illness. This tool helps you understand your options, calculate potential tax, and plan your withdrawal strategy.

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Real-World Examples

Tax-Free Retirement Withdrawal

Margaret is 63, has fully retired, and wants to withdraw $100,000 from her $450,000 super balance.

As Margaret is over 60 and has retired, her entire $100,000 withdrawal is tax-free. She can take it as a lump sum, income stream, or combination. The remaining $350,000 stays invested in super.

First Home Super Saver

Jack, 28, has salary sacrificed $30,000 into super over 3 years to save for his first home.

Under the FHSS scheme, Jack can withdraw his $30,000 in voluntary contributions (plus deemed earnings). These are taxed at his marginal rate minus a 30% offset. If Jack is in the 32.5% bracket, the effective tax rate is just 2.5%.

Frequently Asked Questions

Glossary

Condition of Release

A requirement that must be met before you can access your super. Common conditions include retirement after preservation age, turning 65, terminal illness, or severe financial hardship.

Preservation Age

The minimum age you can withdraw super upon retirement. Ranges from 55 (born before 1 July 1960) to 60 (born after 30 June 1964).

Low-Rate Cap

The amount of taxable super you can withdraw tax-free between preservation age and 60. Currently $235,000 (lifetime limit, indexed).

FHSS (First Home Super Saver Scheme)

A government scheme allowing first-home buyers to withdraw up to $50,000 in voluntary super contributions for a home deposit, with tax advantages.

Related Tools

Preservation Age Calculator

Find out exactly when you can access your super.

Retirement Income Calculator

Plan how to structure withdrawals to make your super last.

Super Tax Calculator

Understand the full tax implications of contributions and withdrawals.

How to Use

1Enter your current age and super balance.
2Select your reason for withdrawal (condition of release).
3Choose between a lump sum or income stream.
4Optionally enter your desired withdrawal amount.
5Indicate your employment status.
6Get personalised advice on eligibility, tax, and the best approach.

Key Information

Withdrawals after age 60 from a taxed fund are completely tax-free.
Between preservation age and 60, withdrawals up to the low-rate cap ($235,000 in 2024-25) are tax-free.
The FHSS scheme allows first home buyers to withdraw up to $50,000 of voluntary super contributions.
Severe financial hardship allows withdrawal of up to $10,000 per 12-month period.
Terminal illness condition allows full tax-free access regardless of age.

Pro Tips

If you're between preservation age and 60, consider waiting until 60 to withdraw for tax-free access.
A combination of lump sum + income stream can be more tax-effective than choosing one or the other.
If using FHSS, make sure your voluntary contributions were made AFTER 1 July 2017 and you haven't owned property in Australia before.
Keep records of the tax components of your super (tax-free vs taxable) as they affect how withdrawals are taxed.

Avoid These Mistakes

Withdrawing a large lump sum before age 60 and triggering unnecessary tax.
Assuming you can access super anytime after preservation age — you must also meet a condition of release.
Not realising that the FHSS scheme has a maximum withdrawal limit and affects your assessable income in the year of withdrawal.
Applying for early release through scam organisations that charge fees to access your super (a common super scam).

Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates only and should not be relied upon for financial decisions. Interest rates, fees, and policies change frequently. Always verify information with lenders directly. This is general information, not personal financial advice. Consider seeking advice from a licensed mortgage broker or financial advisor.

Last updated: February 2026