Eligibility for compassionate release of superannuation
Liz Gibbs • November 25, 2024

Eligibility for compassionate release of superannuation

The ATO has been responsible for the administration of the early release of superannuation on compassionate grounds since 1 July 2018. 


It will only approve a release of superannuation on compassionate grounds if the applicant meets all the conditions set out in the regulations, including that the applicant has no other means to pay the expenses.


The five main grounds of eligibility are:

  • medical treatment or transport (i.e., to treat a life-threatening illness or injury, or alleviate acute or chronic pain or mental illness) for the applicant or their dependant;
  • accommodating a disability for the applicant or their dependant;
  • palliative care for a terminal illness for the applicant or their dependant;
  • funeral expenses for a dependant of the applicant; or
  • preventing foreclosure or forced sale of the applicant's home.


Need Help with your Business, Bookkeeping, Tax or SMSF requirements?

If you would like a little help, please get in touch with us for assistance. We can help with your business, bookkeeping, tax and SMSF requirements.


Please also note that many of the comments in this publication are general in nature and anyone intending to apply the information to practical circumstances should seek professional advice to independently verify their interpretation and the information’s applicability to their particular circumstances. Should you have any further questions, please get in touch with us for assistance with your SMSF, business, bookkeeping and tax requirements. All rights reserved. Brought to you by RGA Business and Tax Accountants. Liability Limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.


time management
By Liz Gibbs April 15, 2025
If your to-do list is starting to look more like a novel than a plan for the day, you’re not alone. It’s all too easy to get bogged down by endless tasks, unsure where to start or what really deserves your attention. That’s where the “Must, Should, Could” method comes in—a brilliantly simple way to cut through the clutter and focus on what truly matters.
Solid Business Foundations
By Liz Gibbs April 11, 2025
When it comes to improving your business, think of it like building a house. You wouldn’t add a second floor without ensuring the foundation is rock-solid, right? The same goes for your business.
Personal tax cut
By Liz Gibbs April 10, 2025
On the last sitting day of Parliament, the personal income tax rate reduction announced in the 2025-26 Federal Budget was confirmed.
How does FBT work
By Liz Gibbs March 31, 2025
An overview of FBT. Find out how FBT applies, what you need to do as an employer, and what deductions you can claim.
Odometer readings
By Liz Gibbs March 30, 2025
The Australian Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) year runs from 1 April to 31 March, and one of the key compliance requirements for employers providing motor vehicles to employees is recording odometer readings on 31 March each year. These readings help determine the taxable value of car fringe benefits and ensure accurate FBT calculations.
Monthly GST Reporting for Small Businesses
By Liz Gibbs March 25, 2025
From 1 April 2025, the ATO will be moving around 3,500 small businesses from quarterly to monthly GST reporting where they have a history of: ❌ non-payment; ❌ late or non-lodgment; or ❌ incorrect reporting. Once the change is implemented, it will remain in place for a minimum of 12 months. Affected small businesses and their tax agents will be contacted by the ATO when their GST reporting cycle is changed. A review process is available for those who don’t believe they have a history of poor compliance and should be able to remain on their current GST reporting cycle. The ATO believes that this will help small businesses improve compliance with their GST obligations and build good business habits. Do you think this is a good move?
Budget 2025-26:
By Liz Gibbs March 25, 2025
In Part 3 of our analysis, we look at the impact on Business & employers, Government & Regulators, and The Economy.
Budget 2025-26:
By Liz Gibbs March 25, 2025
Budget 2025-26 is one that the government clearly did not expect to have to deliver. In Part 2 of our analysis, we look at the impact on Individuals and families.
2025-26 Federal Budget
By Liz Gibbs March 25, 2025
Part 1 of our Budget special: The Government’s big moment in the 2025-26 Federal Budget was the personal income tax cuts. Income tax cuts are a dazzling headline but in reality they deliver a tax saving of up to $268 in the 2026-27 year, with a tax saving of up to $536 from the 2027-28 year.
Top FBT risk areas
By Liz Gibbs March 25, 2025
The Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) year ends on 31 March 2025. We’ve outlined the top FBT risk areas.
More Posts