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Happyrock2000(Initiate)Initiate
17 Apr 2026

Hi

Our son is under NDIS and DSP etc. It is highly likely that he will never participate in the workforce . For his future, I opened and made non concessional contributions to his Super (with QSuper). The amount is less than $2,000. I am aware that I need to make regular contributions to prevent the low balance account going to the Government. What I was not aware of was the fees - even for the low balance accounts - the account will ONLY keep pace with inflation. I believe that I would have been better to invest monies into an ETF and then transfer to Super when the amount is more fee / tax efficient.


Seeking comments on getting the money out of Super or otherwise a very low fee Super fund

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Most helpful reply

NikkiATO(Community Moderator)Community Moderator
20 Apr 2026

Hi @Happyrock2000,


Money in super can’t be withdrawn until a condition of release is met. For someone who isn’t working, conditions of release are limited and usually relate to:

  • reaching preservation age and retiring
  • severe financial hardship or compassionate grounds, which have strict tests.

Choosing a different investment (such as ETFs) isn’t a valid reason to withdraw super, even where balances are low or future workforce participation is unlikely.


It’s also true that there are government protections for low‑balance accounts (including fee caps and transferring inactive low‑balance accounts to us), but these are designed to protect balances, not maximise returns. An account can be kept active by making a contribution or having another active indicator.


Decisions about investment options, fees and switching funds are outside the scope of what we can assist with. These are financial decisions rather than tax decisions.


Given the long‑term and personal nature of your son’s circumstances, you may wish to discuss options with a licensed financial adviser (particularly one experienced with disability planning) or speak directly with the super fund about low‑balance fees and investment options.

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Happyrock2000(Initiate)Initiate
18 Apr 2026

I think that I have two options - get the money out if I can and use ETFs or move to another super fund (maybe Vanguard until its better off to move back to Qsuper/capped fee). Even with the fee rebate for low balances in QSuper - the return is just 3% pa over the past 3 years. With a timeline of 40 years, still need to make a good investment for him.

Most helpful reply

NikkiATO(Community Moderator)Community Moderator
20 Apr 2026

Hi @Happyrock2000,


Money in super can’t be withdrawn until a condition of release is met. For someone who isn’t working, conditions of release are limited and usually relate to:

  • reaching preservation age and retiring
  • severe financial hardship or compassionate grounds, which have strict tests.

Choosing a different investment (such as ETFs) isn’t a valid reason to withdraw super, even where balances are low or future workforce participation is unlikely.


It’s also true that there are government protections for low‑balance accounts (including fee caps and transferring inactive low‑balance accounts to us), but these are designed to protect balances, not maximise returns. An account can be kept active by making a contribution or having another active indicator.


Decisions about investment options, fees and switching funds are outside the scope of what we can assist with. These are financial decisions rather than tax decisions.


Given the long‑term and personal nature of your son’s circumstances, you may wish to discuss options with a licensed financial adviser (particularly one experienced with disability planning) or speak directly with the super fund about low‑balance fees and investment options.

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Liked by Happyrock2000

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