You may be able to access your super once you meet a condition of release¹. When this happens depends on your age and work situation.  

Aged 65 or over

If you’re aged 65 or older, you can access your super at any time, even if you’re still working. 

Reached preservation age (60)

If you reach preservation age (which is 60) and 

• Retire* or 
• start a transition to retirement income stream while continuing to work 

What retirement means*

Retirement generally means you have stopped gainful employment after turning 60. 

Early access to super

In limited circumstances, you may be able to access some or all of your super before retirement, for example if you meet conditions relating to: 

• severe financial hardship; 
• compassionate grounds; 
• terminal medical condition or permanent incapacity; or 
• permanent departure from Australia (for temporary residents only) 
• under the First Home Super Saver scheme – to withdraw voluntary contributions you’ve made to your super 

Different rules and evidence requirements apply to early access. 

Superannuation rules can be complex and how they apply to you depends on your individual circumstances. 

Once you’re eligible to access your super, you can choose how to use it. You can continue to invest ethically, withdraw some or all of your money, or use a combination of options.  

An account‑based pension allows you to turn your super savings into a regular income in retirement. 

With an Australian Ethical account‑based pension: 

• pension payments are generally tax‑free once you’re aged 60 or over (unless you have an untaxed element in your taxed component)  
• your balance stays invested, giving your savings the potential to continue growing over time 
• you choose how much income you receive each year, subject to minimum payment rules set by the Government². 
• the earnings on an account in retirement phase are tax free. 

It’s important to consider your expected living costs in retirement, what other assets you have and how long your super may need to last.    

How pension payments are taxed

The tax treatment of your pension payments depends on your age and the components of your super. 

• If you are aged 60 or over, no tax is payable on pension payments you draw unless your super includes an untaxed element in the taxed component. 
• If you are under age 60, the tax‑free portion of your pension payments is not taxed, however tax may apply to the taxable component. 

Starting an account‑based pension

To start an account‑based pension: 

• you generally need a minimum balance of $30,000; and 
• once your pension has commenced, you generally can’t make additional contributions to that pension account. 

You should consider your expected living costs in retirement, what other assets you have, and how long your super may need to last. 

Transfer balance cap

The transfer balance cap limits how much super you can move into one or more retirement‑phase accounts. In 2025–26, the general transfer balance cap is $2 million. 

Additional tax may apply if you exceed your personal transfer balance cap. You may wish to seek advice from a licensed financial adviser or registered tax professional before commencing a pension. 

If you’ve met a condition of release, you may be able to withdraw some or all of your super savings as a lump sum and have it paid to your nominated bank account. 

How withdrawals work depends on the type of account you have. 

If you have an accumulation account

If you hold an accumulation (super) account and have met a condition of release: 

• you can request a partial or full withdrawal of your available balance 
• any amount withdrawn will reduce the super savings you have set aside for retirement 
• once withdrawn, the money is no longer invested in the superannuation environment. 

Investment earnings on money withdrawn from super are generally taxed at your personal income tax rate, rather than the concessional tax rates that apply within super. 

If you have a pension account

If you hold an account‑based pension: 

• you receive regular pension payments 
• you may also be able to make additional lump sum withdrawals, subject to pension rules. 

Withdrawing lump sums from a pension account will reduce your remaining balance and may affect how long your retirement income lasts. 

Tax treatment depends on your age and individual circumstances. 

For more information, see the ATO’s guidance on payments from super. 

Withdrawing money from your super may affect any insurance you hold through your account. If your remaining balance is not enough to cover ongoing insurance fees, your cover may be reduced or cancelled.