How do I apply for super due to terminal liver cancer

 Author: RachelATO(Community Moderator)Community Moderator

28 Apr 2026

Hi @Martydike67,

I’m really sorry you’re going through this. When you're applying to access super because of a terminal illness, the best pathway is directly through your super fund. This is different from applying for compassionate release.

To access your super due to a terminal medical condition, you'll need to meet all these conditions:

• two registered medical practitioners have certified, jointly or separately, that you suffer from an illness or injury that is likely to result in death within 24 months of the date of signing the certificate
• at least one of the registered medical practitioners is a specialist practising in an area related to your illness or injury
• the 24-month certification period has not ended.

The best way forward is to contact your super fund directly to request access. They will send you the terminal illness release form and explain where to upload or email the medical certificates. These applications are approved by the super fund, not by us.

If some of your super is held by the ATO, you can ask your super fund to claim it for you or apply directly to us yourself. To apply yourself, access our ATO online services through myGov and go to Super > Manage > Withdraw ATO‑held super. If you prefer, you can also use the paper form.

You’ll only need to provide proof of your terminal medical condition once during each certification period.

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