New rules for early access to benefits

CSS members may be granted early access to part of their super benefits on severe financial hardship or specified compassionate grounds from 1 January 2008.

Super benefits generally have to be preserved until you reach a certain age or retire. However, in some circumstances (where you are unable to meet reasonable and immediate living expenses) your benefit now may be released for specific costs.

Situations where your benefit can be released include treatment of a life-threatening illness, palliative care, funeral and burial expenses and to prevent foreclosure by a mortgagee.

You can only have money released on grounds of severe financial hardship if you have been receiving an eligible Commonwealth Income Support Payment for a continuous period of at least 26 weeks (if under age 55) or 39 weeks (if over age 55). You may also apply to APRA to have money released on other specified compassionate grounds.

For more information see The facts about early release.