ATO Certified Response
Author: NikkiATO(Community Moderator)Community Moderator ATO Certified Response2 Oct 2025
Hi @Researcher1,
Sounds like you might be able to access your super early on compassionate grounds. This is allowed in certain situations, like preventing foreclosure and to pay for medical treatment or care for yourself or a dependent.
To apply, you’ll need to:
- Check that your super fund allows early release.
- Gather documents that show:
- You’re behind on your mortgage and at risk of losing your home.
- You or your dependent need medical treatment or care.
You can only withdraw enough to cover the arrears and up to 12 months of repayments. For your dependent's care, they must meet the definition of a dependant under super laws, with medical proof of their condition. You’ll find more info about both situations in the link above.
You can apply through your myGov account linked to ATO online services. You can also apply by paper, but online applications are usually processed more quickly than paper applications.
You can’t apply for both reasons in one application, so you’ll need to submit separate applications – one for medical care and one for mortgage help.
Thank you very much for your response.
Can I request to access my super on compassionate grounds (foreclosure of my home) and also ask for a release on ground of financial distress (from my super).
The application on grounds on grounds of financial distress is to be done first, while I wait for the notification of foreclosure to come through in the future.
Thank you
Author: DamienATO(Community Support)Community Support 8 Oct 2025
Hi @Researcher1,
Yes, you can apply for both, but you will need to apply for each separately. To be approved you need to meet the eligibility criteria for each application.
You apply for severe financial hardship with your super fund.
We handle the eligibility checks and processing of compassionate release applications.
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