Superannuation is a long-term investment for most people.
Under superannuation law, you can generally withdraw your super benefit only once you reach preservation age and permanently retire from the workforce.
Super can also be withdrawn early in these circumstances:
- On compassionate grounds
- If you become totally and permanently disabled
- If you die.
When can I withdraw my super?
- When you reach retirement age (generally 65)
- When you cease employment on or after age 60
- If you retire on or after your preservation age
- If we have approved your invalidity retirement and certified that you are entitled to receive invalidity benefits under PSSap
- If you suffer severe financial hardship or are eligible on compassionate grounds as determined by government rules (conditions apply)
- If you change jobs and your account balance is $200 or less
- If you reach your preservation age and intend to continue working, but in this case you can only access your super as an income stream, or
- If you are a foreign national who has permanently left Australia after having been a temporary resident on a specified class of visa.
Your PSSap Product Disclosure Statement and our Withdrawing your super from PSSap factsheet [PDF: 201 KB] provides information on the following topics:
- retrenchment, resignation or dismissal
- divorce or separation
- retirement
- transition to retirement
- transfers to an eligible rollover fund (ERF)
- financial hardship or specified grounds.
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