What is superannuation?
Why do we need superannuation?
Where is my superannuation?
Am I eligible to claim my superannuation?
Can I claim all of my superannuation or just part of it?
How do I claim my superannuation?
How long does it take to claim my superannuation?
Can I return to Australia even if my visa is cancelled and I have claimed my super?
Changes to superannuation rules for temporary residents
Checklist
Contact us
What is superannuation?
Superannuation (or super) is a form of savings for retirement. It is paid to a super fund on your behalf by your employer. It is similar to the pension or retirement savings which may exist in your home country.
It is NOT deducted from your regular income – it is an extra payment made by your employer on top of your regular income. The amount paid on top of your regular income is 9% of your regular income.
Why do we need superannuation?
Superannuation has been implemented by the Australian Federal Government to ensure that Australians have an income when they retire from the workforce.
In Australia, it is law that your employer pays 9% superannuation if you earn more than $450 in a month (before tax).
Where is my superannuation?
Your superannuation is invested in a superannuation fund. If you did not choose a fund yourself when you started working with your employer, they will have paid your superannuation into their chosen fund. To find out where your superannuation is you can search the Australian Taxation Office’s electronic tool, SuperSeeker or you can call the lost member register on 13 10 20.
Am I eligible to claim my superannuation?
If you are working in Australia as a temporary resident you may be eligible to claim your superannuation money if:
- you visited on an eligible temporary resident visa; and
- your visa has expired or been cancelled; and
- You have permanently departed Australia*
This payment is called the Departing Australia Superannuation Payment. It is commonly referred to as DASP.
This payment is not available for permanent Australian or New Zealand citizens because they have the option of retiring in Australia.
It is important to note that you will not be able to claim your superannuation when leaving Australia unless you have signed a Member Application form for a super fund. The employer you are working for should give you this form when you start work. You must complete and sign the form and return it to your employer.
What documents are required to claim my superannuation?
You are entitled to claim all of your superannuation if you meet the above criteria. However, if you are claiming less than $5,000 you need to include a certified copy of:
- your visa, or evidence that you were a holder of an eligible temporary resident visa that has expired or been cancelled;
- your passport showing your photograph and identification pages, together with the page showing your departure stamp from Australia; and
- if you have changed your name since leaving you must include certified supporting documentation for verification (for example your marriage certificate).
If you are claiming over $5,000 you are required to complete additional forms through the Australian Department of Immigration. To obtain the forms, contact the Superannuation Officer via e-Mail on super.hobart@immi.gov.au.
How do I claim my superannuation?
You can apply for payment:
- online by using the online payment system, which you can access via the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) website at www.ato.gov.au; or
- by completing a 'Request for departing Australia superannuation payment temporary resident form' (form number: NAT 7204) available from the ATO website; or
- by phoning 13 10 20 to order the form and to apply in writing.
Remember when applying you will need to advise:
- personal details - your name and date of birth;
- passport number;
- superannuation fund and membership number; and
- Australian Tax File Number (TFN)
How long does it take to claim my superannuation?
You can start applying from the day you arrive in Australia. However, you must remember that you can only submit your application after you have left Australia and your visa has expired or been cancelled.
Once AustSafe Super has received your completed DASP application we are required to make a payment within 28 days. However, delays may occur if:
- we require additional information; or
- we require additional forms to be completed.
Once your application has been processed you will receive:
- a cheque for the amount of your superannuation payment less tax*.; and
- a departing Australia superannuation payment summary. It also provides you with AustSafe Super contact details for future reference.
*If your payment includes any contributions which have been claimed as a tax deduction by you or your employer, then a 35% tax will be withheld.
Can I return to Australia even if my visa is cancelled and I have claimed my super?
You may still be able to return to Australia on another visa even if you have claimed and received your superannuation money. You will need to contact the Australian Department of Immigration for more information.
Changes to superannuation rules for temporary residents
From 18 December 2008, the Federal Government introduced new rules for temporary residents which require super funds to transfer members’ benefits to the ATO once a notice is served on the Fund.
AustSafe Super members whose balances are transferred to the ATO will not receive an exit statement at the time of, or after, the transfer of their balance, due to the fact the Trustee is relying on relief granted by ASIC. However a temporary resident is able to contact the Fund and request information on their account balance transferred to the ATO at any time in the future.
Members whose balances are transferred to the ATO will be able to claim their benefit back from the ATO at any time, usually as a lump sum and those who become permanent residents at a later date can request to have their benefit returned to a super fund like AustSafe Super.
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Checklist
- have I completed an AustSafe Super Member Application form from my employer? If not ring 1300 131 293 and request a member application form or ask your employer
- have I completed a TFN Declaration Form?
- have I included Certified I.D. with my DASP claim form?
- is my Visa the correct type to receive a payment when departing Australia?
- have I departed Australia?
Contact us
If you have any questions about claiming your superannuation give us a call on +61 7 3307 6400.
You can also download a superannuation for backpackers fact sheet in your preferred language:
Chinese
French
German
Japanese
Korean
Portuguese
Vietnamese
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