When can I access my super?
Super is generally there for your retirement. Once you have met your preservation age and retire you’re able to access your super.
Generally, you can access your super when;
- You have reached your preservation age and have permanently retired
- Have met your preservation age and started a Transitional to Retirement Income Stream (TRIS)
- 60 and have ceased working in an employment arrangement
- 65 years old (it doesn’t matter if you’ve retired)
Your DOB determines what your preservation is;
| Date of birth | Preservation age |
| 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 |
| 1 July 1964 or after | 60 |
Under certain circumstances you are able to access your super earlier. You can access your super under the following circumstances;
“Super is generally there for your retirement.”
Severe Financial Hardship
Members of super funds in severe financial hardship can apply to release some of their superannuation. You will need to prove that you have been on some type of Commonwealth Government support for some time and can’t meet reasonable and immediate living expenses. You will need to supply this information to your super fund.
“Generally, you can access your super when…”
Compassionate Grounds
In certain circumstances you are able to access your super on compassionate grounds. If you’re a permanent resident of Australia you can apply to the Department of Human Services (DHS) who will assess your situation. The DHS will then provide you a letter which you can pass onto your super fund.
Temporary Residents Departing Australia
When you come to Australia to work as a temporary resident your employer must make Superannuation Guarantee Contributions on your behalf. When you depart Australia permanently you’re entitled to withdraw the super and take it with you.
You are not entitled to withdraw your super if;
- are an Australian or New Zealand citizen
- hold a permanent or current temporary visa
- are a temporary resident who has left Australia and receives an income stream
- hold a retirement visa (subclasses 405 and 410).
If you have any questions in regards to withdrawing your super benefits then please feel free to call;
Cayle Petritsch
SMSF Specialist Advisor
T: 02 9984 7774
E: caylep@nac.com.au
Martin van der Saag
Director
T: 02 9984 7774
E: martinv@nac.com.au
Key Takeaways
You can usually access super once you reach preservation age and retire
Super is primarily designed for retirement, and most people can access it once they meet preservation age and permanently retire.
There are multiple “standard” situations where access is allowed
This includes starting a Transition to Retirement Income Stream (TRIS), stopping work after turning 60, or automatically gaining access at 65 (even if still working).
Early access may be possible — but only under strict conditions
The article outlines early access pathways such as severe financial hardship, compassionate grounds, or temporary residents departing Australia (with exclusions).
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Frequently Asked Questions
When can I access my superannuation?
Generally, you can access your super when you’ve reached your preservation age and permanently retired.
What is the preservation age for super?
Your preservation age depends on your date of birth. For example, if you were born on or after 1 July 1964, your preservation age is 60.
Can I access my super at 60?
Yes — you may be able to access super if you are 60 and have ceased working in an employment arrangement.
Can I access super at 65 even if I’m still working?
Yes — once you’re 65, you can access your super regardless of whether you’ve retired or not
What is a TRIS (Transition to Retirement Income Stream)?
A TRIS allows you to start drawing an income stream from super once you’ve met preservation age, even if you haven’t fully retired yet.
Can I access my super early in special circumstances?
In some situations, early access may be possible due to severe financial hardship, compassionate grounds, or if you’re a temporary resident departing Australia permanently.
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