What age can I access my super?

It’s important to know when you can actually access your superannuation – even if you’re

not ready to spend it all just yet. Knowing when you can tap into your super gives you the

flexibility to start planning your retirement and might even give you some breathing room to

adjust your work schedule as you transition out of the working grind.

So, What Age Can I Access My Super?

In Australia, you can access your super once you hit your preservation age – which is 60.

But hold on, just because you hit 60 doesn’t mean your super is automatically available to

you like a birthday gift. There are conditions, and your employment status can play a big

role. Let’s break it down.

1. Age 60 and Still Working?

If you're 60 - 64 but still working (part-time, full-time, or any-time), you can’t just raid your

super account like a kid in a candy store. Instead, you’ll likely need to start a Transition to

Retirement (TTR) pension. This lets you draw an income stream from your super – but

don’t get too excited, the income is capped between 4% and 10% of your super balance per

year. So, while you can dip into it, it’s more like a gentle stroll, not a sprint.

2. Age 60 and Retired?

If you’re 60 – 64 and you’ve hung up your work boots for good (no more full-time or part-time

work), you’re golden. You get full, unrestricted access to your super. You can withdraw it as a

lump sum, take it as an income stream, or mix and match – the choice is yours!

3. Age 60+ and Your Employment Ends?

If you’ve hit 60 - 64, and your job or self-employed gig ends, you can access your super as

long as the employment arrangement is officially over. No need to retire fully – you can still

work in another job. But, you can’t go back to the same position or business you just left.

4. Age 65 and Beyond?

Once you hit 65, there are no strings attached to your super. Even if you're still working, you

have full access. Want a lump sum or to start an income stream? Go for it! No restrictions,

no questions asked.

When Can I Access My Super Tax-Free?

If you're 60 or older, you can access your super tax-free. This means any lump sums or

pension payments you take out are free of tax. But if you're under 60 and access your super

early, things get a little trickier. Your super consists of tax-free and taxable components, and

any withdrawals you make will have to come out proportionally from each of those

components. The tax-free portion is just that – tax-free – but the taxable part will be taxed.

How Can I Access My Super Early?

While there are no sneaky loopholes to access your super before your preservation age

(sorry!), there are a few legitimate reasons that could allow early access:

 Compassionate Grounds – if you have a serious medical condition or need

financial help with end-of-life expenses.

• Severe Financial Hardship – if you're facing extreme financial stress.

• Terminal Medical Illness – if you’ve been diagnosed with a terminal illness.

• Temporary Incapacity – if you can’t work for a period due to illness or injury.

• Permanent Incapacity – if you’re permanently unable to work due to illness or injury.