Can I access my super early to pay for dental work? (and how do I apply?)
27/10/2023
The short answer is yes.
It is possible to access your superannuation fund to pay for the cost of dental or orthodontic work. In some cases, you may be eligible to apply for the early compassionate release of your super. And the dental treatment doesn’t have to be for you. It can be for your spouse, partner or dependents.
If this is an option you’re interested in exploring, keep on reading. In this blog we’ll help you to understand everything you need to know about accessing your super early. This way, you’ll know if it’s the right option for you.
Am I eligible for compassionate release of super?
Early access to your super on compassionate grounds means that in certain instances you may be able to apply for a lump sum to pay for your dental treatment.
Of course, you must first make sure you have enough funds in your superannuation account to cover the cost of your treatment. It’s also worth contacting your super fund to check that they allow the early release of super. You may also want to ask if there are any fees for accessing your super early.
In some cases, you may be eligible to apply for the early compassionate release of your super to pay for your dental treatment.
To be eligible for compassionate release of your super you must meet the following five conditions:
1. You are (or have been) an Australian or New Zealand citizen or permanent resident.
2. You meet the eligibility requirements of the specific compassionate grounds that you’re applying for. Generally speaking, you may be granted access to early super if the treatment is:
— to treat a life-threatening illness or injury, or
— to alleviate acute or chronic pain, or,
— or alleviate acute or chronic mental illness
3. You have not yet paid for your treatment.
4. Can’t access sufficient funds to pay for the dental treatment by:
— using your own savings or credit card
— taking out a loan
— selling shares, assets, or investments
— accessing funding through other means
5. You can provide all the evidence you need to access your super early. For dental treatment you will need:
— a report from your dental practitioner to confirm the dental work is required
— your treatment plan, outlining the stages of treatment
— a quote (no more than 30 days old) or unpaid invoice (no more than 60 days old)
If you meet the eligibility conditions outlined above, you might be asking what types of dental treatments qualify for early super access. To give you an idea, here’s a list of some of the potential treatments you can get.
- Dental implants
- Dentures
- Root canal
- Crowns
-Periodontal therapy
- Braces and clean aligners
- Oral and maxillofacial surgery
Don’t let cost close the door on your dream smile.
Find out about our full range of treatments and multiple payment options detailed within our helpful guide.
Thinking seriously about accessing your superannuation to pay for dental work? There are two main ways to go about it. You can apply yourself, via the ATO, or engage the help of a third-party service provider. Let’s take a look at the steps you need to take for each option.
Applying yourself via the ATO
If you’re eligible for early access to your super, the next step is to fill in the ATO Early Release of Superannuation Benefits on Specified Compassionate Grounds application form. (Phew, it may be a mouthful to say, but the good news is that it’s pretty easy to access.)
You’ll need a myGov account that’s linked to the ATO. From the ATO online home page:
- Select the heading option Super, then Manage, then Compassionate release.
- Make sure you have digital copies of the required evidence handy. (Must be uploaded in one of the following formats: PDF, gif, jpeg or png.)
- The ATO will assess your application and notify you of their decision.
If your application is approved, you must contact your super fund to arrange release of your money. In order for your super fund to process the payment, you'll need to provide them with a copy of the approval letter you received from the ATO.
At Green Door Dental, we believe everyone deserves the dental care they need. When they need it most. That’s why we’ve partnered with SuperCare—an external services provider that will streamline your application for early super access.
Using a third-party service
There are several companies that can help you apply for the early release of your super for dental treatment. For a fee, they will guide you through the process to help make it stress free.
At Green Door Dental, we believe everyone deserves the dental care they need. When they need it most. That’s why we’ve partnered with SuperCare—an external services provider that will streamline your application for early super access. You can read more about SuperCare here.
The process is simple. Here’s how it works:
- We send your details to SuperCare via an online referral form
- You’ll be contact by a SuperCare consultant to chat about your eligibility
- If you’re eligible, SuperCare will begin the Compassionate Release of Super (CRS) application process
- SuperCare will contact us to request the required support letter
- GP signs the CRS form
- The application is reviewed and lodged with the ATO
Other companies that can help you determine your eligibility and help you through the application process include:
If you’re still uncertain about which option is right for you, come chat with us. While we don’t recommend any one company over another. We’re happy to answer any questions you may have.
