Applications for early release of superannuation (super) will be accepted through myGov from 20 April 2020.

If your financial situation has been impacted as a result of COVID-19, the Australian Government have announced that you may be able to access some of your superannuation early.

Be aware that some promoters claim to offer early access to your super by transferring your super into a self-managed super fund. These schemes are illegal and heavy penalties apply if you get involved.

The government is allowing individuals affected by COVID-19 to access up to $10,000 of their superannuation in 2019–20 and a further $10,000 in 2020–21. Individuals will not need to pay tax on amounts released and the money they withdraw will not affect Centrelink or Veterans’ Affairs payments.

Eligible individuals will be able to apply to access up to:

• $10,000 of their super before 1 July 2020
• a further $10,000 from 1 July 2020 until 24 September 2020.

To apply for early release, you must satisfy one or more of the following requirements:

• You are unemployed.
• You are eligible to receive a job seeker payment, youth allowance for jobseekers, parenting payment (which includes the single and partnered payments), special benefit or farm household allowance.
• On or after 1 January 2020, either
  • you were made redundant
  • your working hours were reduced by 20% or more
  • if you are a sole trader, your business was suspended or there was a reduction in your turnover of 20% or more.

Visit the ATO’s website for more information in regards to eligibility for early access to your superannuation.