accessing your super early

access to your super due to financial hardship

Who can apply for financial hardship?

You can only make one withdrawal of up to $10,000 gross (which means before tax) in a 12-month period if:

• you’ve received eligible Commonwealth Government income support payments for at least 26 continuous weeks, and
• are currently receiving these payments, and
• you are unable to meet reasonable and immediate living expenses.

You can withdraw any amount if:

• you’ve reached your preservation age plus 39 weeks, and
• you’ve received eligible Commonwealth Government income support payments for at least 39 cumulative weeks since reaching your preservation age, and
• you are currently either unemployed, or you are employed for less than 10 hours a week.

Tax on financial hardship payments

The amount is paid and taxed as a lump sum. If you’re under age 60, this is generally taxed between 17% and 22%. If you’re aged over 60, the amount will be tax-free (excluding any untaxed elements).

Learn more about eligibility on the ATO website.

How to apply for financial hardship

Read and complete the Financial hardship fact sheet and form (pdf) to apply. 

Return your completed form and other supporting documentation to us via email: hesta@hesta.com.au or mail to: HESTA, Locked Bag 5136, Parramatta NSW 2124.

access to your super on compassionate grounds

The process of accessing your super on compassionate grounds is handled by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). For the ATO to agree to release the funds from your super, you’ll need to prove you’re unable to meet the expenses for one or more of the following:

• medical treatment and medical transport for you or your dependant (if you apply for compassionate release of super for medical treatment, the law states it must be necessary to treat a life-threatening illness or injury, alleviate acute or chronic pain, or alleviate acute or chronic mental illness)
• making a payment on a home loan or council rates so you don't lose your home
• modifying your home or vehicle to accommodate your or your dependant's severe disability
• palliative care for you or your dependant
• expenses associated with the death, funeral or burial of your dependant.

Tax on compassionate grounds payments

The amount is paid and taxed as a lump sum. If you’re under age 60, this is generally taxed between 17% and 22%. If you’re aged over 60, the amount will be tax-free (excluding any untaxed elements).

To apply, access the ATO application form, or visit ato.gov.au linked services in myGov. Alternatively call the ATO on 13 10 20.