Super is subject to preservation rules. By law, most super must be kept within the super system until you satisfy a condition of release. This is known as preservation.
The purpose of super is to help you save money for your retirement, therefore there are restrictions by law on when you can withdraw it in cash. For most people, super is only payable in cash once you reach your preservation age and permanently retire.
There are some limited circumstances in which you can access part of your super early, for instance on compassionate grounds, or if you are in severe financial hardship.
If you become disabled or terminally ill or in the event of your death, a benefit may be payable from your super.
