Accessing Super

Preservation

Preservation or preservation rules is the law that states you cannot take your superannuation as cash until you retire or you meet certain conditions of release.

This means that you can't cash your superannuation until:

• you reach age 65, or cease your current employment on or after age 60; or
• you retire permanently from the workforce after reaching your "preservation age" as shown in the table below; or
• you reach your preservation age and receive your benefits as a non-commutable income stream (that is, an income stream that cannot be converted to a lump sum after commencement other than in limited circumstances); or
• you die or become totally and permanently disabled; or
• you are a temporary resident permanently leaving Australia.

All superannuation acquired after 30 June 1999 is subject to preservation. This includes any investment earnings credited to your superannuation. The preservation rules do not apply to any cashable superannuation which has accrued before 1 July 1999.