You can access your superannuation in Australia generally under these main conditions:
- From age 60: You can access your super when you reach 60 years old and have retired permanently or have stopped working for an employer after turning 60. If you are still working, there is also an option called Transition to Retirement income account to access some of your super while working.
- From age 65: You can access your super whether you are retired or still working.
- Early access: Under certain limited circumstances, you may access your super earlier, such as severe financial hardship, compassionate grounds, a terminal medical condition, permanent incapacity, or if you are a temporary resident leaving Australia.
Your access to super before retirement age is typically restricted, as superannuation is designed to support you financially in retirement. Once eligible, you can withdraw in a lump sum, open an income stream account, or transfer it to another fund. The preservation age for accessing super ranges between 55 and 60 depending on your birth date, but actual access usually requires meeting the retirement conditions above. Upon reaching 65, access is unrestricted by work status. These conditions regulate withdrawals to ensure super funds primarily serve retirement income purposes. Taxation on withdrawals is generally favorable if conditions are met. This summary consolidates information from sources including the Australian Taxation Office, AustralianSuper, MoneySmart, and other relevant superannuation authorities as of 2025.
