Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Australians can access their super early under compassionate grounds if they meet eligibility criteria. These include medical treatments, funeral expenses, and disability modifications. 

Compassionate grounds include treating a life threatening illness or injury, alleviating acute or chronic pain, addressing acute or chronic mental illness or paying for funeral costs. 

There’s no fixed limit on superannuation withdrawal amounts under compassionate grounds. The approved amount depends on your specific treatment costs and available super balance. You can access the amount reasonably needed to cover essential expenses as documented in your application. 

Withdrawals are taxed as income for the year they’re received. The tax rate depends on your current income. SuperCare recommends speaking with a financial adviser/accountant for personalised tax guidance and to understand how this might affect your unique financial circumstances.

To qualify for Early Release of Super for Medical Treatments, you must:

• Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
• Have a medical condition requiring necessary treatment
• Provide supporting evidence from healthcare professionals
• Show that you cannot pay through other financial means

Yes, you can use your superannuation to cover medical costs for immediate family members, such as a spouse, partner, or children. 

The ATO typically takes 5–21 business days to review applications. Once approved, funds are released within 5–7 business days. 

You can access superannuation early under specific circumstances and eligibility criteria for essential medical treatments like dental procedures, IVF, weight loss surgery, and mental health care. 

Compassionate Release of Superannuation applications must be submitted directly to the ATO. 

To submit an application, you’ll need supporting medical reports, cost estimates for treatment and financial evidence. 

The Compassionate Release of Superannuation program covers medically necessary treatments including:

• Dental procedures (implants, orthodontics, oral surgery) 
• Fertility treatments including IVF
• Weight loss surgeries for obesity-related conditions
• Mental health and addiction rehabilitation programs
• Reconstructive and corrective surgeries, including Nasal Surgery
• Cancer treatments and specialised therapies
• Orthopaedic procedures and joint replacements

Yes, super can be used for dental implants if you are experiencing oral pain or psychological distress – not purely cosmetic concerns.

Yes, orthodontic treatments like braces may qualify if the child is experiencing oral pain or psychological distress.

Super can be accessed for IVF when it is deemed medically necessary due to infertility challenges and related stress and anxiety of trying to conceive.

You can only apply for one cycle at a time for IVF. You must complete that cycle and if it is unsuccessful, you can then apply for a subsequent cycle. There is no limit on how many times you can apply for IVF cycles, this largely depends on your super balance and medical recommendations.

Yes, your partner’s super may be accessed if they agree and meet eligibility criteria.