Can you withdraw your super while still in Australia?

Generally, no. Working holiday visa holders cannot access their superannuation while they are still in Australia on a valid visa. The DASP process, which is the mechanism through which working holiday makers claim their super, is specifically designed for people who have permanently departed Australia and whose visa has expired or been cancelled.

Why you cannot access it early

Superannuation in Australia is designed as a long-term retirement savings vehicle. The rules around early access are strict and apply to all workers, not just temporary visa holders. There is no general right to access your super early simply because you are leaving the country soon.

The condition for DASP eligibility

To be eligible for DASP, you must have left Australia and your visa must no longer be valid. Applying from within Australia while your working holiday visa is still active will result in your application being rejected. You need to have departed first.

What about leaving soon

If you know you are leaving Australia in a few weeks, the best approach is to get organised before you go rather than trying to apply while you are still there. Make sure you have your super fund details, your member number, and the bank account details for where you want the funds sent. Once you have left and your visa expires, you can submit the DASP application and the process can proceed.

What about financial hardship

There are compassionate grounds and severe financial hardship provisions that allow some Australians to access their super early, but these provisions do not typically apply to working holiday makers in normal circumstances. The specific conditions are narrow and unlikely to apply to most temporary residents.

See our detailed guide on how to apply for DASP for everything you need to do once you have left Australia.

Need help?

Planning to leave Australia soon?

We help working holiday makers claim their super through the DASP process once they have left. Get in touch and we will make sure you receive everything you are entitled to.