Super for Drug Rehab: How to Access Superannuation for Treatment
Did you know that Australians are the third largest client group by country here at The Dawn?
A key reason Aussies seek treatment abroad is the long waitlists to access addiction and mental health services in Australia. But because both addiction and mental health conditions can be urgent and life-threatening, many clients realise that delaying treatment is not an option.
The good news is that Australians can access their super for alcohol and drug rehab, or mental health treatment, abroad if a doctor confirms the treatment is medically necessary.
At The Dawn, many of our clients choose this path when urgent care is needed but funds are not readily available.
Our clients are drawn to The Dawn because of our professional reputation and our holistic, personalised approach to treatment. They also appreciate that treatment at our facility is significantly more affordable than private rehab and mental health centres in Australia.
This difference in cost, combined with the ability to access superannuation for treatment, makes high-quality care possible without long delays.
How to Access Super for Alcohol Rehab, Drug Rehab, or Mental Health Treatment
You can access super for drug or alcohol rehab or mental health treatment in approximately two weeks. While you can find more information regarding the process here, we have also included a few steps below:
- Start the process online via the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) website to apply for early access to medical treatment on compassionate grounds.
- Schedule an appointment to speak with your doctor regarding your need for treatment and your desire to tap into your superannuation for the cost.
- Your general practitioner will need to write a letter or fill out a form stating your medical condition and why treatment is necessary. They should also refer you to a specialist, who will also need to write a letter or fill out a form in support of your treatment.
- Contact The Dawn to get a letter from us confirming your acceptance into our programme and a quote or unpaid invoice for treatment fees.
- Following the review of the supporting documents, fees for treatment will be released into your bank account.
You are welcome to contact our Admissions Team, who have experience helping Australians access super for rehab or mental health treatment.
Our staff can answer your questions, guide you through the process, and assist with preparing the required documents so you can start treatment without delay.
FAQs About Accessing Super for Rehab and Mental Health
Q. How long does it take to get super for drug or alcohol rehab?
A: On average, it takes about two weeks from the time you lodge your application with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).
To avoid delays, you’ll need to have all required documents ready, including letters from your GP and a specialist, plus a treatment quote or invoice from the rehab provider. Once approved, the funds are released directly to your bank account.
Q. Under what circumstances can I access super for rehab or mental health treatment?
A: You may be able to access your super for rehab or mental health treatment if you meet all of these conditions:
- You are an Australian or New Zealand citizen or permanent resident.
- The expense relates to approved compassionate grounds (such as medical or mental health treatment).
- The expense is unpaid, or you borrowed money to pay it and still owe the amount.
- You can’t afford to pay without accessing your super (e.g., you don’t have enough savings, assets, or other funding).
- You provide invoices, quotes, and any other required evidence with your application.
You can learn more about this here or contact our Admissions Team to check your eligibility and next steps.
Q. Can I use my super to pay for my partner’s or family member’s rehab?
A: Yes. You may be able to access your super to cover the treatment costs of an immediate family member, such as a spouse, child, or dependent.
The process is similar to applying for yourself, and you’ll still need medical documentation showing that the treatment is necessary and urgent.
Q. Will accessing my super for rehab or mental health treatment affect my retirement savings?
A: Yes. Any money you take out now will reduce your super balance, which means you’ll have less available when you retire.
That said, many people find that getting timely treatment for addiction or mental health is far more valuable than waiting, since early care can protect health, relationships, and even future financial stability.
About the Author
John A. Smith is a Senior Psychotherapist at The Dawn and an internationally accredited Addiction Treatment Professional (ISSUP), Certified Life and NLP Coach. He is highly experienced in working with young adults and utilises a range of evidence-based therapies, including SMART Recovery, to help his clients achieve their goals.