If you need evidence of severe financial hardship

To access your super early, you need to meet some requirements. You may need to provide evidence.

Your super fund may ask you for a letter from us confirming you meet the income support requirements for severe financial hardship according to the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Regulations 1994. There are some super funds that can check this online if you agree to it.

Your super fund considers many factors when deciding if you can access your super early. They may decide not to release your super early even if you meet the income support requirements and we gave you a letter.

Request a letter

You can call us on your regular payment line to request a letter from us.

The letter will tell you if you meet the income support requirements for severe financial hardship or not. It’s valid for 21 days.

Make sure you give it to your super fund within that time, so they can decide about if you can access your super early.

Read more about other reasons you could get early access to super on the Australian Taxation Office website.

Read what to do if you disagree with a decision about early release of super.

Check income support criteria online

Some super funds can use our Centrelink Confirmation eServices to check if you’ve been getting a payment from us for the required time. But you must agree to them doing this. If they check your details online, you may not need to get a letter from us.

Page last updated: 16 April 2024.
QC 54663