When can you access your super? Preservation age and conditions of release explained

Your superannuation is generally preserved, meaning you cannot access it until you meet specific conditions. The most common way to access your super is by reaching your preservation age and retiring.

Preservation age by date of birth:

Conditions of release (when you can access super):

• Reaching preservation age and retiring from the workforce
• Reaching age 65, regardless of whether you have retired
• Starting a transition to retirement income stream after reaching preservation age (while still working)
• Permanent incapacity or terminal medical condition (life expectancy of less than 24 months)
• Severe financial hardship, if you have been receiving government income support for 26 continuous weeks and cannot meet reasonable living expenses
• Compassionate grounds, approved by the ATO for specific expenses such as medical treatment, disability modifications, or to prevent mortgage foreclosure
• Temporary residents permanently departing Australia (Departing Australia Superannuation Payment)
• Your super balance is less than A$200 and you have left that employer

Accessing super early outside these conditions is illegal and can result in significant penalties. Be cautious of schemes that claim to help you access your super early.