When Can I Access My Super in Australia?

By GrowThenDraw Editorial Team · Updated August 2, 2026 · 8 min read · Editorial policy

Preservation age is often described as the age you can get super, but that shorthand leaves out the condition-of-release test. While still working, reaching preservation age normally opens a restricted transition-to-retirement pathway rather than unrestricted lump-sum access.

Preservation age by date of birth

• Born before 1 July 1960: age 55
• 1 July 1960 to 30 June 1961: age 56
• 1 July 1961 to 30 June 1962: age 57
• 1 July 1962 to 30 June 1963: age 58
• 1 July 1963 to 30 June 1964: age 59
• Born from 1 July 1964: age 60

The three common unrestricted paths

After preservation age, satisfying the legal retirement test can release preserved benefits. From age 60, ending an employment arrangement can satisfy a condition of release for relevant benefits even if the person later takes another job. At age 65, access generally becomes unrestricted whether the person keeps working or not.

Funds must verify the condition and their governing rules. A change in payroll, hours or job title is not automatically the legal event a person assumes it is.

Transition to retirement while working

Someone who has reached preservation age but not an unrestricted condition may be able to move part of super to a TTR income stream. It must pay at least the applicable annual minimum and generally no more than 10% of the opening balance.

Early access is not ordinary retirement access

Compassionate grounds, severe financial hardship, permanent incapacity, terminal medical condition, temporary-resident departure and FHSS each have narrow rules. Promoters offering to unlock super for general spending may be proposing illegal early access.