Early release of super for dental treatment: what you should know

What is early release on compassionate grounds?

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) allows people to access part of their super early on compassionate grounds in limited situations, which can include paying for medical treatment. Each application is assessed individually by the ATO, and approval is never guaranteed.

Who may be eligible?

To apply under the medical treatment category, the ATO generally requires that:

• You’re an Australian or New Zealand citizen, or an Australian permanent resident
• The treatment is needed to treat a life-threatening illness or injury, or to relieve acute or chronic pain, or acute or chronic mental illness
• The treatment isn’t readily available through the public health system
• You can’t pay for the treatment by other means
• The expense hasn’t been paid yet (or was paid using money that’s still borrowed)
• You can provide supporting evidence, including reports from two registered practitioners and an itemised quote or invoice

Treatment that’s mainly cosmetic, or chosen to improve the appearance of your smile, is unlikely to meet these criteria.

For the full and current requirements, visit the ATO website.

The real cost to your retirement

Super is designed to support you later in life. Money taken out now loses the growth it would have earned over the years ahead, so a withdrawal today can mean a much smaller balance when you retire.

Early release may also affect:

• Insurance held inside your super, such as life, income protection or disability cover
• Your tax, Centrelink payments or Family Tax Benefit
• Your retirement plans more broadly

Before you apply, we recommend speaking with your super fund, a licensed financial adviser or a free financial counsellor.

Other ways to make treatment manageable

There are usually better options to explore first, and our team is happy to talk them through with you.

• Free consultation: Come in, ask questions and understand your options before you commit to anything.
• Payment plans: Spread the cost of your treatment over time, see our payment plan options here
• Staged treatment: Where it’s clinically appropriate, we can prioritise the most urgent care first and plan the rest over time.
• Health fund rebates: If you have extras cover, we can claim on the spot and help you understand what your fund may contribute.
• Public dental services: If you hold an eligible concession card, you may be able to access care through your state’s public dental program.

How we can help

If you’re considering early release, our dentists can:

• Examine you in person and explain your diagnosis and treatment options
• Provide a written treatment plan and itemised quote
• Prepare clinical reports where clinically appropriate, based on an honest assessment of your needs

We don’t charge for treatment plans, quotes or clinical reports.

Some things sit outside our role. We can’t prepare or lodge your application, give financial or tax advice, or decide whether you’re eligible. Only the ATO can make that decision.

If you decide to apply

1. Book a consultation for an in-person examination and an honest discussion of your treatment options.
2. Get your documents together, including your treatment plan, itemised quote and clinical reports.
3. Apply directly to the ATO through myGov. You can do this yourself at no cost.
4. Wait for a decision before starting treatment. We recommend not beginning treatment funded this way until you’ve been notified of the outcome.

FAQ’s

Does Avenue Dental recommend using super to pay for treatment?
We don’t recommend it as a way to pay for dental care. In a small number of cases it may be an option, and we’ll always talk you through the alternatives first.

Can I use my super for Invisalign, veneers or cosmetic treatment?
Cosmetic treatment is unlikely to meet the ATO’s criteria. Eligibility is assessed by the ATO, not by us.

Do I need to use a company to help me apply?
No. You can apply directly to the ATO through myGov at no cost. Be cautious of any business that charges fees to prepare your application or promotes super as an easy way to pay.

If my application is approved, does that mean I should go ahead with treatment?
Approval and treatment are separate decisions. Your treatment should always be based on your clinical needs and what’s right for you.

Is there a cost for the reports?
We don’t charge for treatment plans, quotes or clinical reports.

Have a question about paying for treatment?

Our team is here to help you understand your options, with no pressure.