From 1 April 2009, if you are, or were, a temporary resident and are not an Australian citizen, New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, or a holder of a retirement visa (Subclass 405 or 410), you can generally only access your preserved superannuation benefits in the following circumstances:
- if you become permanently incapacitated, or
- if you have a terminal medical condition, or
- if you have departed Australia permanently and your visa has ceased, or
- your beneficiaries may access your benefits if you die.
You may also be able to access your benefit if you satisfied another condition of release under superannuation law before 1 April 2009.
After you leave Australia, you can claim your superannuation from BT Super for Life under the Departing Australia Superannuation Payments (DASP) regime. Full information regarding DASP procedures and current taxation rates can be found at
www.ato.gov.au.
However, the Australian Government requires BT Super for Life to pay temporary residents' superannuation to the Australian Tax Office (ATO) after at least 6 months have passed since the later of:
- the date a temporary resident's visa ceased to be in effect; and
- the date a temporary resident permanently left Australia.
The ATO will identify and inform BT Super for Life of the impacted members twice each year.
Once your benefit has been transferred to the ATO you will need to claim it directly from the ATO.
Note: A temporary resident is a holder of a temporary visa under the Migration Act 1958.