The main conditions of release
- Retire after preservation age. Under 60, you must stop work with no intention of working again. From 60, leaving any job counts.
- Leave a job on or after 60, even if you keep working elsewhere. Super built up to that point can be accessed.
- Turn 65. You can access your super whether or not you are working.
- Start a transition to retirement pension after preservation age while still working, capped at 10% a year: see TTR pensions.
Preservation age by birth date
| Born | Preservation age |
|---|---|
| Before 1 July 1960 | 55 |
| 1 July 1960 – 30 June 1961 | 56 |
| 1 July 1961 – 30 June 1962 | 57 |
| 1 July 1962 – 30 June 1963 | 58 |
| 1 July 1963 – 30 June 1964 | 59 |
| From 1 July 1964 | 60 |
Watch out for early access offers
Releasing super without a condition of release is illegal and heavily penalised. Anyone offering to get your super out early is a red flag: see scams and checking advice.
Next: how much super do you need and pension drawdown rates.
Quick answers
What is my preservation age?
60 if you were born on or after 1 July 1964; between 55 and 59 for earlier birth dates.
Can I access super at 60 if I keep working?
Yes, if you leave an employment arrangement on or after 60, or by starting a transition to retirement pension. At 65 there are no restrictions.
Sources
General advice warning. This article is general information only and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Rules, rates and thresholds change; check the sources above. Consider the relevant PDS and our Financial Services Guide and seek personal advice before acting. FinForce is a Corporate Authorised Representative (No. 001241242) of Financial Force Pty Ltd, ABN 42 091 425 464, AFSL 238337.