Super Preservation Age Checker Australia 2026
Enter your date of birth to see your super preservation age, the earliest date you can start a Transition to Retirement (TTR) pension, and when your super is fully accessible. Based on ATO 2026 rules.
What Is the Super Preservation Age?
The superannuation preservation age is the minimum age at which Australians can access their preserved superannuation benefits, subject to meeting a condition of release. Since 1 July 2024, the preservation age is 60 for all Australians regardless of birth date — the old sliding scale (55–60 depending on birth year) has fully phased out. This means anyone born on or after 1 July 1964 has a preservation age of exactly 60. If you were born before that date and were in the old 55–59 age bracket, you have already passed your preservation age.
Reaching preservation age does not automatically mean you can withdraw your super. You must also satisfy a condition of release: retiring permanently from the workforce, commencing a Transition to Retirement (TTR) income stream, reaching age 65, or satisfying another condition such as permanent incapacity, severe financial hardship, or compassionate grounds.
Transition to Retirement (TTR) Pension Rules
Once you reach preservation age (60) and are still working, you can start a Transition to Retirement income stream. The TTR pension lets you draw between 4% and 10% of your account balance each financial year while continuing to work. The main benefit is tax: pension income from a TTR is tax-free once you are 60. You can combine a TTR with salary sacrifice contributions to build super while drawing an income. However, the TTR phase has a 0% tax earnings rate only once you convert to a fully "retirement phase" pension after permanently retiring (or turning 65).
Conditions of Release — Full Access vs Restricted Access
There are two levels of access. Restricted access (at preservation age 60, still working): you can start a TTR pension but cannot take a lump sum unless you retire. Full unrestricted access (at age 65, or from age 60 after permanently retiring): you can withdraw any amount at any time as either a lump sum or pension. Key conditions of release also include: permanent incapacity, terminal medical condition, severe financial hardship (after 26 weeks on income support), and first home super saver release.
Tax on Super Withdrawals After Age 60
All super withdrawals — lump sums or pension payments — are completely tax-free for persons aged 60 and over where the fund is a taxed superannuation fund (the vast majority of Australian funds). This is a significant advantage of the super system. SMSF members and defined benefit schemes may have different tax treatment. Before age 60, the taxable component of lump sum withdrawals may attract a 15% concessional tax rate between ages 55–59. Always obtain independent financial advice before making super withdrawals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the superannuation preservation age in 2026?
The super preservation age is 60 for all Australians in 2026. The old sliding scale (55–60 depending on birth year) fully phased out on 1 July 2024. Anyone born on or after 1 July 1964 reaches their preservation age at age 60.
Can I access my super at 60 if I am still working?
Yes, but with restrictions. At age 60 you can start a Transition to Retirement (TTR) income stream drawing 4%–10% of your balance per year. You cannot take a lump sum until you permanently retire or reach age 65. Income from a TTR pension is tax-free once you are 60.
When can I access my super with no restrictions?
You have completely unrestricted access to your super once you reach age 65, regardless of whether you are working. Alternatively, full access is granted from age 60 if you have permanently retired from the workforce, or if you have ceased a gainful employment arrangement on or after age 60.
Is super tax-free after age 60?
Yes. Withdrawals from a taxed superannuation fund — whether lump sum or pension payments — are entirely tax-free for members aged 60 and over. This applies to both the taxable and tax-free components. SMSF defined benefit schemes may differ; check with your fund.
What is the super preservation age for someone born in 1968?
If you were born in 1968, your preservation age is 60. You will reach preservation age in 2028. At that point you can start a TTR pension. If you retire permanently at 60 or later, you will have full unrestricted access to your super balance.
Can I access super early on hardship or compassionate grounds?
Yes. Under severe financial hardship, you can withdraw between $1,000 and $10,000 after 26 weeks on an eligible government income support payment. Compassionate grounds (medical treatment, palliative care, preventing foreclosure) allow specific amounts to be released via the ATO. Permanent incapacity allows full release regardless of age.