Compassionate Release of Superannuation
This information is general only and is not financial, legal or medical advice. Whether it is right for you depends on your circumstances, and any decision is yours to make with independent advice.
Accessing Super for Dental Work
In limited circumstances, the Australian Taxation Office may approve the compassionate release of super for dental treatment. If you are accessing super for dental work, eligibility is determined by the ATO and strict criteria apply. We can provide clinical records, treatment plans, and itemised quotations where required, but patients should seek independent financial advice before making any decision about using super to pay for dental care.
When It May Apply
Super is generally preserved until retirement. The ATO can consider early release on compassionate grounds where treatment is needed to relieve acute or chronic pain, to treat a life-threatening illness or injury, or to treat acute or chronic mental illness. If you are accessing super for dental work, remember that this is intended as a last resort once other options have been considered. It is not a way to fund elective or cosmetic work. The process requires careful planning. Two medical reports are usually required, and applications relating to mental illness also need a report from a psychiatrist.
Things To Consider
Releasing super early reduces the savings available to you in retirement, so it is a significant decision. Free guidance is available through ASIC’s Moneysmart and Centrelink’s Financial Information Service.
If you have questions, you are welcome to raise them at your next appointment.