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Taking your super when you go

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What's a DASP?

Whether you've been slogging away behind a backpacker's bar in Coogee for six months, or decided to quit your job, sell the house and move to Peru, your employer has been putting money aside for your superannuation.  Among sorting out all your affairs, you're probably also wondering what will happen to your super money when you leave.

The adage of 'you can't take it with you when you go' is only half true in this case. It all depends on if you were a permanent, or temporary resident.

If you were a permanent resident
If you were a permanent resident of Australia who has moved to another country and wish to take your super with you – sorry, but you'll have to wait. You aren't able to access your Australian superannuation fund until you retire, no matter where you may be living.  There are some exceptions regarding this relating to health and hardship – but it's best to contact your fund to discuss your specific concerns.

If you were a temporary resident
Each year in Australia, millions of dollars in unclaimed super is left behind by temporary residents who don't realise they are able to claim their contributions when they leave. Temporary residents who permanently leave Australia are entitled to receive their super benefits, and this is known as a Departing Australia Superannuation Payment – or DASP.

If you leave the country and haven't claimed your superannuation at least six months before you leave, it goes to the Australian Tax Office. After that, you'll need to approach the Tax Office, which will repay it after the normal taxes are taken out.

You can apply for your DASP online here – there's no charge, and it is open seven days a week.

DASP tax rates are:
  • 0% for the tax-free component
  • 35% for a taxed element of a taxable component
  • 45% for an untaxed element of a taxable component.

To find out more about the amount at which your super will be taxed see Rates and Tables. If you are having trouble locating your superannuation, or you think it may be lost, see 'Finding your lost super', here.

Can I still come back into the country after I've claimed my DASP?
Yes! If you are a former temporary resident, (and depending on your visa), you can still return to Australia even after you have claimed your super benefits.

I've heard the term 'former temporary resident' and I think I might be one. How do I find out?
A person is considered a former temporary resident where:
  • it has been at least six months since the person departed Australia, and
  • the person's temporary visa was cancelled or expired.

And, the person is not:
  • a holder of a temporary or permanent visa
  • an Australian or New Zealand citizen
  • a permanent resident
  • a holder of a subclass 405 (Investor Retirement) visa or a subclass 410 (Retirement) visa.

Last reviewed 9/08/2012