Early access to your money

If you are in financial difficulty, you may be able to get early access to a refund from a tax return or activity statement. You may also be able to access your superannuation in certain circumstances.

On this page

• Receive your refund early

• Access superannuation early

Receive your refund early

If you’re expecting a refund from a tax return or activity statement, you can request priority processing.

Access superannuation early

If eligible, you may be able to apply for early access to your super on compassionate grounds. These grounds include medical treatment or expenses, terminal illness, passing of a dependant or loved one, if you are unable to work temporarily or permanently, or if you are in severe financial hardship.

See how to apply for early release of super. You can phone us on our Superannuation enquiries line on 13 10 20 between 8am and 6pm Monday to Friday if you have more questions. If you have difficulty hearing or speaking to people over the phone, you can contact us via the National Relay Service (NRS)External Link.

Note that the COVID-19 early release of super program closed on 31 December 2020. You can no longer apply under this program.

If you have worked and earned super while visiting Australia on a temporary visa, you can apply to have your super paid to you after you leave.

For more information, see Withdrawing and using your super and early release of superannuationExternal Link information on the Services Australia website.

Last modified: 21 Dec 2021
QC 67546