Most people can start withdrawing their superannuation at age 60 if they have retired or left a job, and everyone can access it at age 65 whether they are still working or not. The exact age depends on your date of birth and your work situation, because super is locked away until you reach your preservation age and meet a condition of release. The ATO explains the official rules on when you can withdraw your super.
Quick answer: the ages that matter
- Age 60: You can access your super if you have retired, or if you leave a job after turning 60. If you keep working, you can start a transition to retirement income stream instead.
- Age 65: You get full, unrestricted access to your super, even if you are still working full time.
- Before 60: You generally cannot touch your super, except in very limited early-access situations such as severe financial hardship, compassionate grounds, or permanent incapacity.
What is preservation age?
Your preservation age is the earliest age the law lets you access your super, and it depends on when you were born. For anyone born on or after 1 July 1964, the preservation age is 60. People born earlier had a lower preservation age, between 55 and 59, but they have all reached it by now.
| Date of birth | Preservation age |
|---|---|
| Before 1 July 1960 | 55 |
| 1 July 1960 – 30 June 1961 | 56 |
| 1 July 1961 – 30 June 1962 | 57 |
| 1 July 1962 – 30 June 1963 | 58 |
| 1 July 1963 – 30 June 1964 | 59 |
| From 1 July 1964 | 60 |
Reaching your preservation age alone is not enough. You also need to meet a condition of release, which usually means retiring, leaving a job, or turning 65.
Withdrawing your super at 60
At 60, you can withdraw your super if you have retired. Retirement, in the ATO’s words, means you have stopped paid work and your fund is satisfied you do not intend to work again. There is a second path at 60: if you leave a job after your 60th birthday, you can access the super you built up to that date, even if you later take a different job.
Once you meet a full condition of release at 60, you can take your super as a lump sum, turn it into a regular income stream such as an account-based pension, or take a mix of both.
Still working at 60? Transition to retirement
If you reach your preservation age but want to keep working, you can open a transition to retirement (TTR) income stream. This lets you draw a regular income from part of your super while your employer keeps paying contributions into your account.
There is a limit: a TTR income stream can pay you no more than 10% of your account balance each financial year. That cap disappears once you turn 65 or retire permanently before 65.
Withdrawing your super at 65
Turning 65 is the simplest rule of all. From your 65th birthday, you have unrestricted access to your entire super balance. You do not need to retire, leave a job, or prove anything about your work plans. You can keep working full time and still withdraw as much as you like, as a lump sum, an income stream, or both.
How much tax do you pay on super withdrawals?
For most people, withdrawals from a taxed super fund are tax-free once you are 60 or over and have met a condition of release. This covers both lump sums and income stream payments. If you access your super early, before 60, tax usually applies and the rate depends on the type of payment and your situation. Our guide on whether you pay tax on superannuation covers this in more detail.
Can you withdraw your super before 60?
Only in very limited circumstances. The main ones are severe financial hardship, compassionate grounds such as paying for medical treatment, permanent incapacity, a terminal medical condition, and a balance under $200 after leaving a job. Early access is tightly controlled, and it is illegal to withdraw your super unless you meet a genuine condition of release. Be wary of anyone promoting an early-access scheme. See our guide on how to get superannuation early for the full list of conditions.
Preservation age is not the pension age
A common mix-up is confusing your super preservation age with the Age Pension age. They are different. Your preservation age is 60 (for most people today), while the Age Pension age is 67. You can access your super from 60, but you cannot claim the Age Pension until 67, and the pension has its own income and assets tests. If you are still building your retirement plan, start with our guide on how superannuation works.
How to withdraw your super
Once you are eligible, the process is straightforward:
- Check your eligibility with your fund — confirm your preservation age and that you meet a condition of release.
- Decide how to take it — a lump sum, an account-based pension, or a combination. Think about how long your money needs to last.
- Contact your super fund and complete their withdrawal or pension application, usually online or by phone.
- Provide your ID and bank details so the fund can verify you and pay the money.
- Check the tax and Centrelink effects before you withdraw, especially if you receive or plan to claim government payments.
Frequently asked questions
Can I withdraw my super at 60 and keep working?
Yes, but with limits. At 60 you can start a transition to retirement income stream while you keep working, capped at 10% of your balance per year. Full, unrestricted access while working starts at 65.
Can I withdraw all my super at 60?
Yes, if you have retired or left a job after turning 60. In that case you can take the whole balance as a lump sum, although most financial advisers suggest thinking carefully before draining a retirement account in one go.
What happens to my super if I keep working past 65?
Nothing changes. Your employer must keep paying super contributions, and you can withdraw from your existing balance whenever you like. Many people keep their money invested and draw an income stream while they work part time.
Do I have to withdraw my super at a certain age?
No. There is no age by which you must take your super out. You can leave it invested for as long as you like, and it keeps earning returns inside the fund.
This article is general information only and is not personal financial advice. Super rules can change, and your situation may differ, so check with your fund or a licensed financial adviser before making a decision.
