Accessing your super

You've quit your job, you're nowhere near retirement age and you want to cash in your super to go scuba diving in Bora Bora. It's not that easy. Super is designed to help you in retirement. Various laws protect your super from being withdrawn before you retire. If you change jobs, you can only access very limited portions of your super under certain conditions. For most people, there is no access at all. This ensures your super is there for you at retirement.

What are the rules?

You can access your funds before retirement if you meet strict conditions of release. These include financial hardship, compassionate grounds, permanent incapacity or genuine retirement after your preservation age. Each condition of release has strict rules that must be met.

On your death, your super investment may be paid to one or more of your dependants or to your estate.

If I die, what happens to my super?

Most people have several jobs and careers in their lifetime - and several super funds. If you want your investment to grow, rolling over your various super accounts into one can have several benefits. So, even though you may not be able to withdraw your super, you can take control by deciding where and how it's invested.

When should you rethink your super?