DASP Claim Guide: How to Get Your Superannuation When Leaving Australia 2026

DASP Claim Guide: How to Get Your Superannuation When Leaving Australia 2026

The Departing Australia Superannuation Payment — known as DASP — lets temporary visa holders claim back their superannuation savings after permanently leaving Australia. If you've worked in Australia on a temporary visa and you're heading home, your super doesn't have to stay locked in an Australian fund. The ATO processes most DASP claims within 28 days, and the money is transferred directly to your overseas bank account. The catch? You'll lose 35% to 65% of your balance in tax, depending on your visa type. Here's exactly how the process works and what you need to do.

What Is DASP?

DASP is a mechanism that allows former temporary residents to withdraw their accumulated superannuation after they've left Australia and their visa has ceased. It exists because Australia's super system is designed for retirement — but if you're not retiring in Australia, there's no point keeping your money locked up until you turn 60.

DASP Eligibility Requirements

You must meet all of these criteria:

Critical point: You cannot claim DASP while you're still in Australia, even if your visa is about to expire. And you cannot claim if you've transitioned to permanent residency — your super is then preserved for Australian retirement.

DASP Tax Rates: What You'll Actually Receive

This is the part that shocks most people. The tax on DASP claims is significantly higher than regular super tax, and the rate depends on your visa type and the components of your super.

DASP Tax Rate Table 2026

What Do These Components Mean?

• Tax-free component: Contributions you made from after-tax income (non-concessional contributions). Most people on temporary visas have little or no tax-free component.
• Taxed element: The most common component — includes your employer's mandatory contributions and salary sacrifice contributions (already taxed at 15% going in).
• Untaxed element: Less common — contributions from government-related super funds where tax hasn't been paid yet.

Real-World DASP Examples

Example 1: Skilled worker (Subclass 482)

Example 2: Working holiday maker (Subclass 417)

The difference is stark. A skilled worker keeps 65% of their balance, while a working holiday maker keeps just 35%. There's no way around these rates — they're set by legislation.

Step-by-Step: How to Claim DASP

Before You Leave Australia

Preparation before departure makes the claim process much smoother.

1. Consolidate your super accounts

If you've worked for multiple employers, you probably have multiple super accounts. Consolidate them into one fund through myGov before you leave:

• Log into my.gov.au
• Go to ATO > Super > Manage > Transfer super
• Roll all accounts into your preferred fund

Why? Because you'll need to make a separate DASP claim for each super fund. One account means one claim.

2. Record your super fund details

Write down and save:

• Super fund name
• Your member number
• The fund's ABN and USI
• Your current balance

3. Keep your Tax File Number (TFN) accessible

Your TFN is essential for the DASP claim. Without it, processing is delayed and additional tax may apply.

4. Note your passport details

You'll need the passport number and country of issue that matches your Australian visa records.

5. Set up an overseas bank account for payment

DASP payments are made by electronic funds transfer (EFT) to a bank account in your name. This can be an Australian or overseas account. If using an overseas account, you'll need:

• Bank name and address
• Account name and number
• SWIFT/BIC code
• IBAN (if applicable)

After You Leave Australia

Step 1: Wait for your visa to cease

Your visa must have officially expired, been cancelled, or ceased before you can apply. You can check your visa status using VEVO (Visa Entitlement Verification Online) at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/already-have-a-visa/check-visa-details-and-conditions.

Step 2: Go to the ATO DASP online application

Visit ato.gov.au/super/temporary-residents-and-super/departing-australia-superannuation-payment/

Step 3: Complete the online application

You'll need:

Step 4: Submit and wait

The ATO processes DASP claims and then instructs your super fund to release the payment. The typical processing time is 28 days, though it can take longer during busy periods or if there are issues with your application.

Step 5: Receive your payment

The payment goes directly to the bank account you specified. Currency conversion is handled by your bank, and their exchange rate will apply. Some banks charge an international transfer fee.

Timing Your DASP Claim

When you apply matters. Here's what you need to know about timing.

Best Time to Apply

Claim within 6 months if you can. After 6 months, your super fund may start reporting your account as inactive or lost, and eventually the ATO may absorb the funds as unclaimed super. You can still claim it from the ATO, but the process takes longer.

What Happens to Unclaimed Super?

If you don't claim DASP, your super doesn't disappear. Here's the lifecycle:

1. 0-6 months after visa expiry: Super stays in your fund normally
2. 6-12 months: Fund may flag your account as inactive
3. After 12 months: For small balances or inactive accounts, the fund may transfer your super to the ATO as unclaimed money
4. Indefinitely: The ATO holds the funds. You can still claim them through DASP, but you'll need to apply through the ATO directly rather than the fund

The ATO doesn't invest unclaimed super as actively as super funds do, so your balance may grow more slowly. Another reason to claim promptly.

Common DASP Problems and Solutions

Problem: "I don't know my TFN"

Solution: Contact the ATO before you leave Australia. If you've already left, you can call the ATO from overseas on +61 2 6216 1111 or write to them requesting your TFN. You'll need to verify your identity. Without a TFN, the DASP claim can still be processed, but it takes longer and you may be taxed at a higher rate.

Problem: "I don't know which super fund I'm with"

Solution: If you still have access to myGov, check your ATO account — it shows all super accounts linked to your TFN. If you've lost myGov access, contact the ATO directly. They can look up your super funds using your TFN and personal details.

Problem: "My visa hasn't officially ceased yet"

Solution: You must wait. Even if you've left Australia, some visas remain valid until their expiry date. Check VEVO to confirm your visa status. The DASP application will be rejected if your visa is still active.

Problem: "My super fund says it's been transferred to the ATO"

Solution: This happens when super is classified as lost or unclaimed. Apply for DASP through the ATO directly instead of through your super fund. The ATO holds these funds and can process DASP claims on them.

Problem: "I've been waiting more than 28 days"

Solution: Contact the ATO on +61 2 6216 1111 (international callers) and quote your DASP application reference number. Common reasons for delays include:

• Missing or incorrect information on the application
• Visa status not yet showing as ceased
• Super fund delays in processing the ATO's instructions
• Identity verification issues

DASP and Tax Returns

If you've worked in Australia and are leaving mid-financial year, you'll likely be entitled to a tax refund in addition to your DASP claim. These are separate processes.

Should You Lodge a Tax Return?

You can lodge your tax return through myGov (if you still have access) or through a registered tax agent. Some tax agents specialise in departure returns for visa holders.

Important: DASP tax and income tax are separate. Your DASP tax rate doesn't change based on your income tax situation, and your income tax refund won't be affected by your DASP claim.

DASP for Working Holiday Makers: Is It Worth It?

With a 65% tax rate, many working holiday makers question whether DASP is worth claiming. Let's look at the numbers honestly.

WHV DASP Value Assessment

Even at 65% tax, you're leaving money on the table if you don't claim. A backpacker who earned $40,000 over a year would have approximately $4,600 in super. After the 65% DASP tax, that's still $1,610 — enough for a flight home or a month's living expenses in many countries.

The application is free and takes about 20 minutes to complete online. There's no reason not to claim.

Alternatives to DASP

Keeping Super in Australia

If there's any chance you'll return to Australia or eventually become a permanent resident, consider leaving your super where it is. You won't be able to access it until retirement age, but:

• It continues to grow through investment returns
• You avoid the 35-65% DASP tax
• If you later return on a working visa or family visa, your new employer's contributions will add to your existing balance

This only makes sense if you have a reasonable chance of returning. Otherwise, claiming DASP is the better choice.

Transferring to a Foreign Retirement Scheme

In limited cases, you can transfer your Australian super to a qualifying foreign retirement scheme under a bilateral agreement. Currently, Australia has agreements with only a few countries, and the conditions are restrictive. For most people, DASP is simpler and faster.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I claim DASP if I still have a bridging visa?

No. A bridging visa is still a valid visa, and your temporary visa hasn't technically ceased while a bridging visa is in effect. You must wait until all visas — including bridging visas — have expired or been cancelled. Once you've left Australia and your visa shows as ceased on VEVO, you can apply.

How long after leaving Australia can I claim DASP?

There's no strict deadline. You can claim DASP years after leaving Australia. However, it's best to claim within 6 months of your visa expiring. After that, your super may be transferred to the ATO as unclaimed money, which is still claimable but adds extra steps. Some people claim DASP 5-10 years after leaving and still receive their money.

Will my DASP payment be in Australian dollars or my local currency?

The ATO sends the payment in Australian dollars. Your bank then converts it to your local currency at their exchange rate. If you're sending the payment to an Australian bank account you still have access to, you can time the currency conversion yourself for a potentially better rate. Services like Wise (formerly TransferWise) often offer better exchange rates than traditional banks.

Can I make a partial DASP claim and leave some super in Australia?

No. DASP is an all-or-nothing claim from each super fund. You can't withdraw a portion and leave the rest. However, if you have super in multiple funds, you could claim from one fund and leave the others untouched. This isn't a recommended strategy though — better to either consolidate and claim everything, or leave everything for a potential return.

What if I became a permanent resident but then my PR was cancelled?

This is a complex situation. If your permanent visa has been cancelled and you've left Australia on a temporary visa or no visa, you may be eligible for DASP. Contact the ATO directly to discuss your specific circumstances, as the rules around cancelled visas and DASP eligibility can be nuanced.