When Can I Access My Super? Essential Information Simplified

When can you access your super?

Reaching your preservation age and stopping full-time work

If you have reached your preservation age and permanently retire (stop full-time work), you can begin accessing your super.

Turning 65

Once you reach 65, you have unrestricted access to your super, whether you continue working or not.

Transition to Retirement pension (TTR)

If you reach your preservation age but wish to continue working, you may be eligible for a Transition to Retirement Pension (TTR) pension, allowing you to draw part of your super as income.

Preservation age

Your preservation age is the age you must reach before you can access your super and depends on when you were born.

From 1 July 2024 it will be age 60 for everyone.

Special circumstances for accessing your super 

There are specific situations where early access to super is allowed, such as:

Severe financial hardship

You may qualify under strict conditions.

Compassionate grounds

For medical expenses or help prevent losing your home.

Permanent incapacity

If a medical condition prevents you from working permanently in any occupation for which you have education trainings or experience.

Terminal illness

Early access is generally permitted in circumstances where two doctors (one of which is a specialist in the field) considers you have a life expectancy of less than 24 months