You may be allowed to withdraw some of your super on compassionate grounds for unpaid expenses, where you have no other means of paying for the expense.

The amount of super you can withdraw is limited to what you reasonably need to meet the unpaid expense.

Compassionate grounds include needing money to pay for:

• Medical treatment and medical transport for you or your dependant

• Making a payment on a home loan or council rates so you don't lose your home

• Modifying your home or vehicle or buying disability aids to cater for the severe disability of you or your dependant

• Palliative care for you or your dependant

• Expenses associated with the death, funeral or burial of your dependant.

Because there’s quite a few conditions, you should review the details on the ATO website - before applying on myGov.

The super you withdraw is paid and taxed as a normal super lump sum. The tax rate depends upon various things like age and the components of the super lump sum.

The super fund will automatically deduct the tax from your super account. Refer to the ATOs Super lump sum tax table for further information.

What’s the process?

Apply through myGov and do it today if you’re struggling.

Follow this pathway once logged in: ATO > Super > Manage > Compassionate release of superannuation

If you think you can meet the eligibility requirements, click Apply.

Note: Members of an exempt public sector super scheme (EPSSS). EPSSS members follow a different process and must contact their fund.

Other options

Other early access options exist but they all have conditions. Find out more from the ATO.