When can you access your super? Preservation age explained
For almost every Australian still working today, preservation age is 60. But getting to that age is only half the answer — you also need a 'condition of release' to actually withdraw money.
Last updated April 2026 · General information only · Cites ATO, APRA, ASIC MoneySmart
The short answer
If you were born on or after 1 July 1964, your preservation age is 60. Everyone born before that has already reached preservation age. In practical terms, nearly every working Australian today has a preservation age of 60.
Reaching preservation age isn’t enough
Turning 60 alone doesn’t let you withdraw your super. You also need to trigger one of the conditions of release:
- Retirement on or after preservation age, with intent never to work 10+ hours per week again (for those aged 60–64)
- Ceasing employment after age 60 (even if you plan to start a new job — just ending one employment arrangement is enough)
- Turning 65 (automatic, regardless of work status)
- Starting a transition to retirement income stream from preservation age
- Permanent incapacity (medical certification required)
- Terminal medical condition (two doctors certify life expectancy < 24 months)
- Death (paid to beneficiaries)
Taxation after preservation age
| Age | Lump sum tax | Pension tax |
|---|---|---|
| Under 60 | Up to 17% on taxable component above $235,000 low-rate cap | Taxed at marginal rates with 15% offset |
| 60+ | Tax-free (from taxed funds) | Tax-free (from taxed funds) |
This is why many people wait until 60 to draw down — the difference in tax treatment is enormous.
Early release — the narrow exceptions
You cannot access your super early just because you need money. The only legal grounds are:
- Severe financial hardship (on Centrelink for 26+ weeks and unable to meet reasonable living expenses — max $10,000 per year)
- Compassionate grounds (medical treatment, palliative care, funeral costs, preventing foreclosure — ATO approval required)
- Terminal illness
- Permanent incapacity
- First Home Super Saver Scheme (up to $50,000 of voluntary contributions)
- Temporary resident departing Australia (DASP)
The “illegal early release” warning
Scams offering to unlock your super early — usually via a “rollover” to an SMSF controlled by the scammer — are illegal. The ATO treats early withdrawals outside the listed conditions as an income tax event at your top marginal rate, plus penalties. If someone promises to “get you your super” before preservation age without one of the above conditions, walk away.
Transition to retirement (TTR)
Once you reach preservation age, you can start a TTR income stream while still working. You must draw between 4% and 10% of the balance each year. Earnings inside the TTR account are taxed at 15% (same as accumulation), and drawdowns are tax-free from 60. See our TTR calculator for how this interacts with your salary.
Sources
General information only — not financial advice. Super decisions are long-term; verify with a licensed adviser.