Can I get early access to my super due to the impact of COVID-19?

Update on 23 July 2020: The Government has announced an extension of the scheme from the current end date of 24 September 2020 to 31 December 2020.

In line with Government expectations of 5 business days, your withdrawal payments will be processed as quickly as possible. We understand this is a difficult time. Our team will be working additional hours and we will be prioritising COVID-19 withdrawals to get money to members in need as quickly as possible.

Update on 23 July 2020: The Government has announced an extension of the scheme from the current end date of 24 September 2020 to 31 December 2020.

If you are under financial stress, you may be able to access up to $10,000 of your super from 1 July 2020 until 31 December 2020. You can apply directly to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).

This information is current as of September 2020

See the government’s advice on accessing super early due to COVID-19

Broadly, you may be eligible for early access to your super if one of the following apply:

• you are unemployed;
• you are eligible to receive one of the following: Jobseeker payment, Youth Allowance payment for job seekers, Parenting Payment (including the single and partnered payments), special benefit or Farm Household allowance;
• on or after 1 January 2020 you:
  • were made redundant;
  • your working hours were reduced by 20% or more (including to zero); or
  • are a sole trader and your business was suspended or there was a reduction in turnover of 20% or more.

These payments are tax-free and not treated as income under the Centrelink or Veteran’s Affairs income test.

It is important to consider matters such as the following before making an application to withdraw your super early:

• Reduction of your retirement super balance – the impact to your long-term super balance from any amount you withdraw early. This could significantly impact your retirement savings if you are at the start of your working life.
• Impact to your insurance cover – you may affect any insurance cover connected with your super account. If your account does not have a sufficient balance to cover the insurance fees your insurance cover may be cancelled. If your insurance cover is cancelled, you will need to re-apply for insurance cover which may include underwriting and health forms or different terms and conditions to the current insurance cover you hold.
• Seeking financial advice – before you consider whether to access your super early, it may be beneficial for you to speak with a professional financial adviser.

Other financial relief options may be available to you before you consider whether to access your super early including:

• Mortgage repayment deferrals or redraws
• Reducing your repayments to the minimum amount
• Income support through Government support initiatives

Learn about the assistance ANZ may be able to provide you with by visiting our COVID Support page.

See what financial support the Government is providing by visiting the Economic Response to the Coronavirus page from the Treasury. 

You can’t apply directly to your super fund.

All applications are completed online directly to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) through the myGov website. Just make sure you have your myGov account linked to your ATO account.

1. Between 1 July 2020 and 31 December 2020, Australian and New Zealand citizens and permanent residents only can apply directly to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) through their myGov account via the myGov website. You’ll need to have a myGov account set up and linked to your ATO account. You will also need to have your tax file number and bank account details available.
2. If your application is approved, the ATO will issue a ‘determination notice’ in 2-3 days to your myGov inbox and will also provide a copy to us, authorising us to release your super and make a payment to you.
3. We will then automatically pay the lump sum from your super account to your nominated bank account via Direct Credit. You do not need to inform us to do this.

You may only make one submission in each financial year 2019/20 and 2020/21.

In line with Government expectations of 5 business days, your withdrawal payments will be processed as quickly as possible. If we have your mobile number on record we will keep you updated on your request’s progress by SMS.

You can find additional information about accessing your super early, and other Government-led support initiatives on these websites:

• ATO
• MyGov
• MoneySmart
• Treasury’s page ‘Economic Response to the Coronavirus’.
• ANZ COVID-19 Hub

Further COVID-19: information and insights on anz.com