In certain circumstances, you may access your PSS benefit early on severe financial hardship or other specified grounds (not available to associate members).
Implications for preserved benefit members
If you are a PSS preserved member and you do access part of your benefit on hardship or other specified grounds during your last period of preservation before retirement, you cannot receive a pension as part of your final benefit.
Hardship grounds
If you experience difficulty meeting your everyday living costs, you may be able to access up to $10,000 of your PSS benefit over a 12 month period if you can prove you continuously received Commonwealth income support payments for a:
- 26 week period if under age 55, or
- 39 week period if over age 55.
Generally speaking, PSS only releases money under hardship grounds for reasonable family expenses due and payable immediately; you may need to provide documented evidence to support your application. Amounts released cannot exceed $10,000 gross and only one payment amount will be approved and released in any 12 month period.
How do I apply?
In the case of hardship or specified grounds, you must complete a benefit application form and provide any documentary evidence that is required.
Specified grounds
Circumstances in which other provisions may apply include:
- treatment of life threatening illnesses
- palliative care
- funeral and burial expenses
- prevention of foreclosure by a mortgagee.
In all cases, your super will only be released if you meet qualifying criteria.
How do I apply?
You must apply through the Department of Human Services not PSS. You should also complete a PSS benefit application form and provide documentary evidence.