In partnership with our insurer MetLife, we're pleased to offer 360Health to all Hostplus members and their families.* It's a way to connect to a range of virtual health and wellbeing services at no extra cost.
*The term ‘family/families’ consists of a Hostplus member’s children, partner, parents, and parents in-law.
An interactive way to get financial education and tailored advice* online to help supercharge your future.
Exclusive to Hostplus members 24/7 via Member Online at no extra cost.
*Members with Term Allocated Pension, Lifetime Pension, Defined Benefit Pension, nil balances, non-standard investment options and some Maritime Contributory Accumulation members cannot access SuperSmart financial advice services.
The Epic Retirement Tick is a new recognition from Chant West for super funds that meet a high standard across key retirement criteria.
Hostplus is proud to be among the first of only six funds to earn the Tick - helping members feel confident about their retirement today and into the future.
Following the collapse of the First Guardian/ Shield schemes, Hostplus is urging members to familiarise themselves with the red flags to look out for when making decisions about your super. These include cold calling, pressure tactics, and exaggerated promises about high returns.
Introducing CPIplus, a Pension investment option that aims to deliver a consistent and predetermined return above inflation each year.
Not available for Transition to Retirement Pensions. Though returns above inflation are predetermined annually, Hostplus can shorten the return period. Hostplus may also adjust the rate of return with at least 30 days’ notice.
Introducing CPIplus, a Pension investment option that aims to deliver a consistent and predetermined return above inflation each year.
Not available for Transition to Retirement Pensions. Though returns above inflation are predetermined annually, Hostplus can shorten the return period. Hostplus may also adjust the rate of return with at least 30 days’ notice.
Super is a long-term investment designed to provide you with a positive financial future. But there may be situations where you need to withdraw some or all of your super earlier than retirement age – for example, if you’re suffering severe financial hardship, are a temporary resident and have left Australia permanently, or are totally and permanently disabled or terminally ill.
While you usually need to wait until you reach age 60, you may be able to access your super in the following circumstances:
Whatever your situation, we can help you understand the options that may be available to you.
If you're struggling financially, you may be able to access part of your super before retirement. Eligibility depends on your age, circumstances and whether you meet the relevant requirements.
Choose your age group below to see the eligibility requirements and how much you may be able to withdraw.
You may be eligible if all the following apply:
How much you can withdraw
You can receive one financial hardship payment in any 12‑month period.
You may be eligible if all the following apply:
How much you can withdraw
There’s no minimum or maximum withdrawal amount, and no limit on how many times you can apply, as long as you continue to meet the eligibility requirements.
The quickest way to apply is through Member Online.
Before you apply: Check that you meet all the requirements for your age group.
Online hardship claims are capped at $10,000 before tax. If you’re aged between 60 to 64, meet the eligibility requirements, and want to claim more than $10,000, you’ll need to apply using the financial hardship application form.
Before submitting your request, have the following ready:
You can complete the financial hardship application form instead.
Once completed, post the form to us together with:
For the fastest and easiest experience, we recommend submitting your request through your Member Online account if possible.
Before you apply, there are a few important things to understand about eligibility and how financial hardship claims are assessed.
Your claim will be subject to Tax – financial hardship claims are taxed at 22% (20% +2% Medicare Levy). This tax will be applied to the approved amount claimed. For example, if your approved payment is $10,000 you will receive a net amount after tax of $7,800. If you have not provided your TFN you will be subject to higher tax. If your application is successful, you will receive your payment and an exit statement. You will need to keep this exit statement for use in lodging your tax return following the financial year. Withdrawals made afteryour 60th birthday are tax-free.
Taking money out of your super now will reduce your account balance and may affect any insurance cover you have through Hostplus.
If you’re going through a tough time, you may be able to access your super in the following situations.
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) may allow you to withdraw funds from your super account on compassionate grounds if you, or a dependant, require medical or palliative care, a home or a vehicle modification due to a severe disability, or you need to pay for funeral expenses. To access your super under compassionate grounds, you need to apply directly to the ATO. If they approve your application, they’ll send us the required documentation before we can release your funds.
We understand that being diagnosed with a terminal illness or a total and permanent disability is a heartbreaking situation. Depending on your condition, you may be able to access some, or all, of your super. If you have insurance within your super, you may be able to claim this too. Contact us to discuss your options.
To access your super on compassionate grounds, you’ll need to meet the conditions set out by the ATO, which primarily relate to an inability to pay for specified expenses. These include the following:
1. For medical or dental treatment or transport
To use your super to help fund medical or dental treatment, or transport to and from these treatments for you or your dependant, the condition must be
The treatment must not be readily available through the public health system, and the cost of treatment must not be completely covered by private health insurance or workers compensation.
2. For assistance with mortgage repayments
You may be granted early access to your super to prevent your home from being sold by the lender holding the home’s mortgage.
Typically, you won’t be granted early access to super to pay rent, or to make a payment on a mortgage that:
3. For modifications to your home or motor vehicle
If either you, or your dependant, has a severe disability, you may be granted early access to your super to pay for modifications required to accommodate special needs.
4. For care for a terminal medical condition
If either you, or your dependant, has a terminal condition, you may be granted early access to your super to pay for palliative care.
5. For expenses relating to the death of a dependant
You may be granted early access to your super to assist with funeral, burial, cremation and other expenses related to the death of a dependant. However, family members who aren’t dependants aren’t covered by this condition for release. For example, expenses associated with the death of a parent, grandparent or sibling would only be approved if that family member was in an interdependent relationship with you.
Download the Access Your Super on Compassionate Grounds fact sheet to learn more.
You can withdraw your super if you have under $200 in your account and:
Another option? Consider consolidating any small amounts across multiple super funds into one dedicated account to help you grow your retirement savings.
Before consolidating, compare the fees, performance, and other features of each fund and check whether you’ll lose any benefits. Importantly, if you do close an account, you may lose any insurance attached to that account.
You may find it beneficial to obtain advice from a licensed financial adviser.
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