Accessing your super
When can you access your super?
Generally, you can access your super once you reach preservation age and retire. Your preservation age isn't the same as your pension age (the age you can access the Age Pension).
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 |
Preserved super
Most people have 'preserved' super. That is, we ‘preserve’ your savings for you until you reach the minimum age set by law, as shown above.
Restricted non-preserved super
This is super you may be able to access before your preservation age once you meet certain conditions, such as leaving your employer.
Unrestricted non-preserved super
This is super that you don’t need to meet a condition of release to access and you can withdraw it at any time.
Accessing your super through a transition to retirement strategy
The transition to retirement rules allow you to access your super while you’re still working. A transition to retirement strategy may help to boost your super savings, ease into retirement by working less or access some of your super early.
Early access to super
There are special circumstances where you can legally access your super savings early.
Some of these are:
- severe financial hardship
- certain compassionate grounds
- a terminal medical condition
- permanent or temporary disablement
- if your balance is under $200
- if you’re using the First home super saver scheme.
Penalties apply if you illegally access your super early. Read our Early access to your super fact sheet for more information and check with a financial expert before you withdraw any super.