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Mik11D(Newbie)Newbie
1 Dec 2022

Hi, I have a few questions,

im have troubles getting the information required by ATO from the specialist as he is asking for a fee. Now how can I pay him if I haven’t received my super yet?

The issue I have with my teeth is starting to become an emergency, the more I chew the more pain I’m in. I’ve lost my job as a result, I’m falling behind in mortgage payments which has added stress to my wife and kids. Im losing weight uncontrollably as I’m in that much pain some days, I cant eat at all.

Why does this process have to be so difficult? Why my dentist and specialist could communicate directly to ATO to get my super released straight to the specialist?

I dont even want to leave the house as my teeth are now starting to rot and fall out because I can’t access my super to repair them.

why cant each case be accessed more accurately and only require information based on each case?

I dont want the money, why cant it be released with the ATO and my permission straight to the relevant parties?

In my case, one internet application, with xrays and photos would show how much pain im in and how urgent I need to get the surgery.

Ive reached out everywhere and this is my last place, I hope you can help, or atleast lead me to the right person that can.

Regards Mik

5,614 views
3 replies
5,614 views
3 replies

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Most helpful reply

AnitaATO(Community Support)Community Support
5 Dec 2022

Hi @Mik11D,


We're sorry you're having trouble with the process to have your super released. Unfortunately, as the super belongs to you there are processes that we need to follow. You're the only one you who can access your super. Therefore, it needs to be you who applies for the release and you who will receive the funds. This is to protect you and your super from being fraudulently accessed. Therefore, your specialists can't request release directly from us.

We do need evidence from the treating practitioners to support your claim. You'll need to provide:


  • a quote or unpaid invoice
  • two medical reports    
    • one from a registered medical specialist
    • one from either a registered medical practitioner or a registered medical specialist

also, as it's for dental work we will need you to provide:


  • a copy of your treatment plan which includes details of all stages of the treatment
  • a detailed quote or an unpaid invoice.

It may be possible that before you see the specialist you can talk to them and tell them that you're applying for early release of superannuation and discuss other payment options. e.g., receiving tax invoices until super is released as you need unpaid invoices to submit with your application.


You can find further information about early access to superannuation on compassionate grounds on our website.

All replies

Most helpful reply

AnitaATO(Community Support)Community Support
5 Dec 2022

Hi @Mik11D,


We're sorry you're having trouble with the process to have your super released. Unfortunately, as the super belongs to you there are processes that we need to follow. You're the only one you who can access your super. Therefore, it needs to be you who applies for the release and you who will receive the funds. This is to protect you and your super from being fraudulently accessed. Therefore, your specialists can't request release directly from us.

We do need evidence from the treating practitioners to support your claim. You'll need to provide:


  • a quote or unpaid invoice
  • two medical reports    
    • one from a registered medical specialist
    • one from either a registered medical practitioner or a registered medical specialist

also, as it's for dental work we will need you to provide:


  • a copy of your treatment plan which includes details of all stages of the treatment
  • a detailed quote or an unpaid invoice.

It may be possible that before you see the specialist you can talk to them and tell them that you're applying for early release of superannuation and discuss other payment options. e.g., receiving tax invoices until super is released as you need unpaid invoices to submit with your application.


You can find further information about early access to superannuation on compassionate grounds on our website.

Mik11D(Newbie)Newbie
6 Dec 2022

Hi @AnitaATO, my treating doctor/dentist and the specialist know my intentions but still want to be paid prior to giving me the information the ATO requires.

You mention it is my money and there is a process? Why is the process so hard when it is my money? Why cant I get the treatment I most desperately need and instead of paying with my debit card, my superannuation is made available so I can pay? I dont have a few hundred dollars just for the consultation to get the ATO a letter to release ‘my money’. I have studied the ATO requirements thoroughly, and I dont blame the doctors for wanting payment as it would be a lengthy process to get the documents required, when the process could be made so simple by me submitting the receipt from the surgery/treatment, not an unpaid invoice that would still be scrutinised and possibly not warranted.

The ATO recently made it very simple for people to access some of their super with very little explanation and a fast turnaround, yet something so important has a detailed, lengthy process? Kind of doesn’t make sense to me?

Id like to say thanks but there’s nothing you told me I dont already know, and can only sit here and atleast try change the rules before I go for the next generation.

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