Generally, you’re able to access your super when you've reached:
Your super may also be accessed by your beneficiaries after you’ve died.
| Date of birth | Preservation age |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| 1 July 1964 or after | 60 |
All super contributions and all investment earnings made after 1 July 1999 are preserved in super. Before you request to withdraw some or all of your super from Cbus, we recommend you seek professional financial advice.
In certain situations you may be allowed to withdraw your super early. If you have unrestricted non-preserved money in your account, you can withdraw it any time. Otherwise, you may be able to withdraw your super early in the following circumstances.
For more information and other circumstances, see early access to your super on the ATO website.
Members in severe financial hardship can apply to Cbus for the early release of all or part of their super. You may be able to withdraw some of your superannuation if:
| Your age | Conditions you must meet | |
|---|---|---|
| A | Under preservation age | 1. You have been on an eligible Commonwealth Government income support payment* for a continuous period of 26 weeks, and 2. You are unable to meet reasonable and immediate family living expenses. |
| B | Preservation age and 39 weeks or over | 1. You have been on an eligible Commonwealth Government income support payment for a cumulative period of 39 weeks after you have reached your preservation age, and 2. You are not gainfully employed on a full or part-time basis on the date of the application for your benefit. |
As part of your application, you’ll need to confirm you're receiving eligible Commonwealth Government income support* by providing Cbus authority in your application to verify this directly with Centrelink.
We may not be able to assess your application if we are unable to verify you are receiving a government income support at the time of your application.
The minimum amount you can be paid is $1,000, or the full balance if less than $1,000. The maximum amount is $10,000† less any applicable tax.
Under severe financial hardship, only one withdrawal from your Cbus account can be made in any 12-month period.
*Eligible Commonwealth Government income support payment includes an income support supplement, service pension, social security benefit (excluding austudy or a youth allowance) or a social security pension (this is not an exhaustive list).
†There is no maximum if the member is aged over preservation age and 39 weeks.
In limited circumstances, you may be able to access your super on compassionate grounds.
Provided you’re a permanent resident of Australia, the Australian Tax Office (ATO) will assess, and may approve, the early release of your superannuation.
This will cover the following costs for you or your dependants:
Contact ATO on 13 10 20 to discuss your situation or visit the ATO website on how to apply for early release of super on compassionate grounds.
As a temporary resident working in Australia, your employer is required to make Super Guarantee contributions for you, if you’re eligible.
When you depart Australia permanently, you’re entitled to claim your superannuation.
This payment is called the Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP). It needs to be claimed within six months of your departure, and the expiry or cancellation of your temporary visa.
If you are making the claim within six months of your departure, and the expiry or cancellation of your temporary visa, you need to complete the ATO’s Application for a departing Australia superannuation payment form, and send this form to Cbus, not the ATO.
If you don’t claim your super within six months of departing Australia, your super payments may be transferred to the Australian Tax Office (ATO). Find out more about claiming ATO-held super as a DASP.
You’re NOT eligible if you:
Generally, these tax rates will apply:
If it’s less than six months since you left Australia and you’re eligible to access your super, contact Cbus Advice Services.
You can read more about accessing your super by clicking on the links below.
You can make two types of nomination:
You choose the people who receive your super benefits*. This ensures the balance of your super account, plus any insurance benefit, is paid to the eligible person.
You may nominate beneficiaries, however Cbus will follow a legal process to make the final decision on who gets your super benefits.
*Binding nominations must be renewed every three years.
You can read more about beneficiaries by clicking on the links below.
Going through a separation or divorce can be a stressful time for you and your family. Our fact sheet will help you understand how super can be split when a relationship breaks down. It will also guide you on what you need to do.
Read our fact sheet
8.30am to 6pm Monday to Friday (AEDT/AEST)
Email: advice@cbussuper.com.au
Or use our online form to request a call from Advice Services.
Read our Financial Services Guide (PDF)
