Early release of your benefits
Under certain circumstances you* may be able to access your benefit early on the grounds of severe financial hardship or other specified grounds.
There are two circumstances where early access to a benefit can be granted:
- Hardship grounds
To qualify you must have been continuously receiving Commonwealth income support payments for:
- 26 weeks if you are under 55
- 39 weeks if you are over 55.
Generally speaking, we will only release money for reasonable family expenses that are due and payable immediately and you may need to provide documentary evidence to support your application.
The amount released cannot exceed $10,000 gross and only one payment can be approved in any 12 month period.
- Specified grounds
You may consider asking the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) to release benefits on specified grounds.
Circumstances in which these provisions may apply include treatment of life threatening illnesses, palliative care, funeral and burial expenses and to prevent foreclosure by a mortgagee. In all cases money can only be released if you meet the qualifying criteria.
* Does not apply to CSS associate members.
How to apply
In both cases you will need to complete a benefit application form and provide any documentary evidence that is required.
For more information see The facts about early access.
