DASP: Claiming Your Super When Leaving Australia
Leaving Australia permanently? You may be able to claim your superannuation as a Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP).
IntuitiveCalc Team
Financial Content Specialist
If you worked in Australia on a temporary visa and are now leaving permanently, you may be able to claim your superannuation early through a Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP). This guide explains who qualifies, how much you'll receive, and how to apply.
Quick Facts
- • Only available to temporary visa holders (not citizens/PR)
- • Must have left Australia and visa expired/cancelled
- • Tax rate is 35-65% depending on components
- • Application is free via ATO online
- • Processing takes 28 days to 6 months
Table of Contents
Who Qualifies for DASP?
To be eligible for a Departing Australia Superannuation Payment, you must meet ALL of these conditions:
Eligibility Checklist
- ☐ You entered Australia on a temporary visa
- ☐ You've left Australia (physically departed)
- ☐ Your visa has expired or been cancelled
- ☐ You are not an Australian citizen
- ☐ You are not a permanent resident
- ☐ You are not holding a 405 or 410 visa
Common Qualifying Visas
- Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417, 462)
- Student Visa (subclass 500)
- Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482)
- Bridging Visa (if underlying visa qualified)
- Other temporary work visas
You Cannot Claim DASP If:
- • You're still in Australia on a valid visa
- • You've become a permanent resident or citizen
- • You have a current visa application pending
- • You hold a Retirement visa (405, 410)
- • You're on a New Zealand special category visa (subclass 444)
DASP Tax Rates
DASP payments are taxed at higher rates than normal super withdrawals. The rate depends on whether your super includes a "taxed" or "untaxed" element.
| Super Component | DASP Tax Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tax-free component | 0% | Non-concessional (after-tax) contributions |
| Taxed element | 35% | Employer contributions, salary sacrifice |
| Untaxed element | 45% | Rare - some government funds |
Working Holiday Maker (WHM) Tax Rate
If you worked in Australia on a Working Holiday Visa (417 or 462), a higher tax rate applies:
WHM DASP Rate: 65%
Working holiday makers pay 65% tax on the taxed element of their super. This means if you have $10,000 in super, you'll receive approximately $3,500 after tax.
Example DASP Calculation
Working Holiday Maker with $8,000 Super
Super balance: $8,000
Tax-free component: $500 (personal contributions)
Taxed element: $7,500 (employer contributions)
Tax on tax-free: $500 × 0% = $0
Tax on taxed element: $7,500 × 65% = $4,875
DASP Payment: $8,000 - $4,875 = $3,125
How to Apply for DASP
You can apply online through the ATO, directly through your super fund, or using a paper form.
Option 1: ATO Online (Recommended)
Step-by-Step
- 1. Create an ATO online account
Go to ATO DASP page
- 2. Complete the DASP application
Provide your visa, passport, and banking details
- 3. Upload documents
Certified copies of passport, visa evidence
- 4. Submit and wait
Processing takes 28 days to 6 months
Required Documents
- Passport - Certified copy of photo page
- Visa evidence - Letter or screenshot showing visa expired/cancelled
- Bank details - For receiving payment (overseas account OK)
- Super fund details - Fund name, member number
- Proof of departure - May be verified electronically
Option 2: Apply Through Super Fund
Some super funds process DASP applications directly. Contact your fund to see if they offer this service. You'll still need to meet all eligibility requirements.
Processing Time
| Scenario | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Simple case, all documents correct | 28 days |
| Multiple super funds | 2-3 months |
| Missing documents or issues | 3-6 months |
| Super held by ATO (lost super) | 4-6 months |
Before You Leave
Consider consolidating your super into one fund before leaving Australia. This makes the DASP process faster and simpler than claiming from multiple funds.
Special Cases
Planning to Return to Australia?
If you might return to Australia in the future:
- Leave it in super - Your money can stay in your fund and grow tax-effectively
- No time limit - There's no deadline to claim DASP
- If you become PR/citizen later - You lose eligibility for DASP, but keep your super normally
Bridging Visa Holders
If you're on a bridging visa while waiting for a visa decision:
- You can't claim DASP while on a bridging visa
- If your visa application is refused and you leave, you may then be eligible
- If granted a new substantive visa, you're not eligible
Super Held by the ATO
If your super has been transferred to the ATO (lost super, inactive account), you can still claim it through DASP. Include ATO-held super in your application.
Should You Claim DASP?
The high tax rate means you'll lose a significant portion of your super. Consider whether it's worth claiming:
Claim DASP If:
- ✓ Never returning to Australia
- ✓ Need the money now
- ✓ No plan to apply for PR
- ✓ Small super balance
- ✓ Your country has no social security agreement
Consider Leaving It If:
- ✗ May return to Australia
- ✗ Might apply for PR one day
- ✗ Large super balance (tax is significant)
- ✗ From a country with social security agreement
- ✗ Don't need the money urgently
Social Security Agreements
Australia has agreements with some countries that may affect your super:
- New Zealand, UK, Germany, Netherlands, Italy, and others
- These may allow you to count Australian super towards your home country's pension
- Check with your home country's pension authority
Related Calculators & Resources
Super Consolidation Guide
Merge your super before leaving Australia.
Income Tax Calculator
Calculate your tax before you go.
ATO DASP Information
Official DASP application page.
Student Finance Guide
Financial tips for international students.
Key Takeaways
- ✓ DASP is only for temporary visa holders who have left Australia
- ✓ Working holiday makers pay 65% tax on their super withdrawal
- ✓ Apply free through ATO online after you've left Australia
- ✓ Processing takes 28 days to 6 months depending on complexity
- ✓ If you might return to Australia, consider leaving your super invested
- ✓ Consolidate first to make the process easier and faster
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about DASP as of January 2025. Tax rates and eligibility requirements may change. For the most current information and to submit an application, visit the Australian Taxation Office website. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or tax advice.