Access your super
Super is all about saving for your retirement, so there are rules about how and when you can access it
When can you access your super?
Generally, you need to have reached your preservation age and met a condition of release before you can access your super.
Conditions of release
Generally, you can’t access your super until you meet one of the following conditions of release:
- you reach your preservation age and retire
- you stop working for an employer (even if you’re still working for another employer) on or after turning age 60
- you turn age 65 (even if you’re still working).
- you pass away (in which case your super goes to your beneficiaries).
What’s your preservation age?
Your preservation age depends on the year you were born:
| Date of birth | Preservation age (years) |
|---|---|
| Before 1 July 1960 | 55 |
| 1 July 1960 - 30 June 1961 | 56 |
| 1 July 1961 - 30 June 1962 | 57 |
| 1 July 1962 - 30 June 1963 | 58 |
| 1 July 1963 - 30 June 1964 | 59 |
| After 30 June 1964 | 60 |
Note: your preservation age isn't the same as the age you can access the Age Pension.
Early access to super
Life doesn't always go to plan, so there are some circumstances when you can access some or all your super early. This includes if you:
- experience severe financial hardship
- meet certain compassionate grounds
- have a terminal medical condition
- suffer a permanent or temporary incapacity
- have a super balance under $200 and have ceased employment with a participating Spirit Super employer or
- are using the First home super saver scheme.
To be eligible, you must be receiving income support payments. You can read more about eligibility requirements in our Early access to your super fact sheet.
Note: we recommend you get advice from a qualified financial planner before making a withdrawal from your super. Find out how.
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