Government to open super coffers to bushfire victims
People affected by the Victorian bushfires may be allowed early access to their superannuation funds and attached life insurance benefits, the Federal Government has announced.
Superannuation Minister Senator Nick Sherry says circumstances may entitle people to access super funds or the total and permanent disability insurance benefits that are typically attached to compulsory retirement saving schemes.
“I have spoken with APRA and asked it to communicate with super funds and their insurers about prioritising bushfire-related life insurance and [disability] claims,” he said.
APRA administers applications for early release of superannuation funds, which are considered on compassionate grounds.
Super funds are usually off limits until an individual is at least 55, but under limited criteria the law allows early access to funds, including circumstances of “severe financial hardship”.
Superannuation Minister Senator Nick Sherry says circumstances may entitle people to access super funds or the total and permanent disability insurance benefits that are typically attached to compulsory retirement saving schemes.
“I have spoken with APRA and asked it to communicate with super funds and their insurers about prioritising bushfire-related life insurance and [disability] claims,” he said.
APRA administers applications for early release of superannuation funds, which are considered on compassionate grounds.
Super funds are usually off limits until an individual is at least 55, but under limited criteria the law allows early access to funds, including circumstances of “severe financial hardship”.