This is possible under two main rules: Severe financial hardship, or compassionate grounds. Both are designed for urgent, real-world needs, and operate under strict rules. 

To access your super under the severe financial hardship rules, you need to meet both these conditions: 

• You can’t cover reasonable and immediate living expenses – think rent or overdue bills 

• You've been receiving eligible Centrelink income support for at least 26 weeks, and you’re still receiving it when you apply. 

You can only make one early release application under these rules during any 12-month period. 

If approved, you could receive a one-time lump sum payment from your super between $1,000 and $10,000. You’ll need to show evidence – like overdue bills or bank statements – that you really can't meet your living costs any other way. 

You'll also need proof from Centrelink confirming your income support payments before you apply. Head to Services Australia to find out more.  

• Download Verve Super’s early withdrawal forms

Accessing super under compassionate grounds is slightly different.  

• You don’t need to have been receiving Centrelink payments 

• You apply via the ATO, not your super fund 

You might be eligible if you need help to pay for: 

• Urgent medical treatment (for you or a dependent), including palliative care 

• Modifying your home or vehicle to accommodate for a severe disability (for you or a dependent) 

• Funeral expenses for a dependent 

• Preventing foreclosure or forced sale of your home 

You’ll need to provide evidence to support your claim. Withdrawals are taxed and counted as income in the year they’re received. The tax rate depends on various factors including your age and components of the super lump sum (taxable component or untaxed). 

A tax offset for tax already paid may apply. You should seek advice from a licensed tax agent to understand the impacts on your situation. 

• Learn more about eligibility and how to apply via the ATO website

Other government payments 
Accessing your super early could affect other government benefits like Family Tax Benefit, Child Care Subsidy, income support or Paid Parental Leave. You’ll need to notify Centrelink. 

Tax 
Withdrawals may be subject to income tax – meaning you may receive less than the amount you withdraw.  

Insurance 
If your super balance drops below $6,000, you could lose insurance cover inside your fund. Always check before proceeding.  

Long term impact 
Your super is intended to help support you in retirement. Taking money out now will reduce the amount you have in later life. If markets are down when you withdraw, the impact could be even greater.  

If you're doing it tough, and your Centrelink payments aren’t enough to get by, this could be your short-term safety net. And while accessing super early is a big decision, you don’t have to face it alone. 

Verve Super is here to support you through the process with empathy, clarity and zero judgement – so you can take the next step without added stress. 

Yes - in some cases. If you’ve been receiving Centrelink income support for 26 weeks or more, and you can’t cover basic living costs like rent or food, you may be eligible to withdraw between $1,000 and $10,000 of your super early under severe financial hardship rules. 

The ATO allows early access to your super for specific reasons, including: 

• Urgent medical treatment (including palliative care) 

• Modifying your home or car due to a disability 

• Funeral costs for a dependent 

• Preventing the forced sale of your home 

You don’t need to be receiving Centrelink to apply under compassionate grounds. 

Yes, it can. Early withdrawals may reduce or impact your eligibility for Family Tax Benefit, Child Care Subsidy, Paid Parental Leave, or income support. You must report any super access to Centrelink as it counts toward your taxable income.