FAQ's about your Superannuation Refund

Common terms

• ATO - Australian Taxation Office
• DASP - Departing Australia Superannuation Payment
• Super - Superannuation
• DIAC - Department of Immigration and Citizenship

Departing Australia is an online guided service, dedicated to assisting temporary residents of Australia claim a refund of their Superannuation entitlements.

If you have worked in Australia as a temporary resident, you may be able to claim a refund of your Superannuation.

What is Superannuation?

Superannuation (commonly known as "Super" in Australia) is a way of saving for retirement. Generally Superannuation starts for most people when they commence employment. Your employer pays money into a Superannuation account (fund) on your behalf. If you work or have worked in Australia, your employer may have to make Super payments for you if you:

• are less than 70 years of age
• are paid a salary or wage of AUD$450 or more in a calendar month, and
• work full time, part time or on a casual basis.

Who is Eligible to Claim a Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP)?

To be eligible for a refund of your Superannuation, you must:

• Have entered Australia on an eligible temporary resident visa which has since expired or been cancelled;
• Have permanently departed Australia (you cannot claim until you have departed; however Departing Australia can help you commence the claim process before you depart the country); and
• Not be a Permanent Resident or Citizen of Australia or New Zealand.

See Eligible Visa Types for a list of eligible visas. If your visa type is not listed, you are not eligible to claim a DASP.

How do I know if I have received Superannuation?

To be eligible to receive Superannuation you must be:

• aged 18 years or over but under 70 years of age, and
• paid at least $450 (before tax) in a calendar month

If you are under 18, you are eligible if you meet the additional requirement of working more than 30 hours a week.

You generally would have been asked by your employer(s) for a choice of superannuation fund. If you did not make your own choice then your employer would have made you a member of their default fund.

How do I know how much Superannuation I have received?

If you were or are eligible for superannuation, your employer must pay a minimum of 9% of your earnings for your ordinary hours of work into your super account each quarter. These payments are called superannuation guarantee payments.

How do I know how many Superannuation funds I have?

You should have received correspondence from your Superannuation fund/s whilst in Australia.

What if I have lost track of my Superannuation?

Register with us at either the Step by Step Guide or with a Dedicated Consultant and we will guide you through the whole process.

How is my Superannuation refund taxed?

Source: Australian Taxation Office (ATO).

The refund is subject to final withholding tax at the rates set out in the income tax legislation. From April 1st 2009, the withholding tax rates are:

*Note: please consult your tax agent for your individual circumstances.

Does my superannuation balance affect the process and requirements of a DASP claim?

Yes, please register with us at either the Step by Step Guide or with a Dedicated Consultant and we will guide you through the entire process.

Do you or does the person you are acting in the capacity of (via a Power of Attorney/Enduring Power of Attorney/Executor/Trustee) fit into any of the following categories?

• The temporary resident you are acting on behalf of has died or;
• You or he/she suffers from a terminal medical condition;
• Permanent incapacity
• Temporary Incapacity

If so then please contact us for additional information on your claim process.