DASP: How to Claim Your Super When Leaving Australia

The Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP) lets eligible temporary visa holders withdraw their accumulated superannuation when they leave Australia permanently. For most temporary visa holders, the DASP tax rate is 35% — but for working holiday makers on a 417 or 462 visa, the withholding rate is 65%, meaning you receive only 35 cents in the dollar.

What is DASP?

DASP stands for Departing Australia Superannuation Payment. It is a mechanism that allows temporary residents (and certain other visa holders) to access their Australian superannuation balance when they leave the country permanently and their visa has expired or been cancelled.

Superannuation is Australia's mandatory retirement savings system. Employers must contribute 12% of your earnings (since July 2025) into a super fund on your behalf. As a temporary resident, you accumulate super just like a permanent resident or citizen — but you cannot access it while in Australia, and you cannot leave it there indefinitely after departing.

If you do not claim DASP, your super fund will eventually transfer your balance to the ATO as unclaimed money. You can still claim it later, but the process becomes more complex.

How does DASP work in Australia?

DASP applications are processed by the ATO (if your super is in an ATO-held account) or directly by your super fund. Before you can apply, two conditions must be met: your temporary visa must have expired or been cancelled, and you must have departed Australia.

DASP withholding tax rates:

• Most temporary visa holders: 35% withheld (you receive 65%)
• Working holiday makers (417/462 visa): 65% withheld (you receive 35%)

The higher rate for working holiday makers was introduced in 2017 alongside the 15% income tax rate. The ATO justifies it on the basis that WHMs receive a lower income tax rate during employment.

Where to apply:

• If your super is with a fund: apply directly to your super fund using the DASP application form
• If your super is ATO-held (lost super): apply via the ATO's online DASP application at ato.gov.au/dasp

Step-by-step: claiming your DASP

1. Consolidate your super. Before leaving Australia, log in to myGov and check whether you have multiple super accounts (common if you worked for several employers). Consolidate them into one account to simplify the claim.
2. Confirm your visa has expired or been cancelled. You cannot apply while your visa is still valid and you are still in Australia.
3. Leave Australia. Depart the country. Your departure date is verified against immigration records.
4. Gather required documents. You will need your Tax File Number, passport details, visa details, and super fund account information.
5. Submit your DASP application. Apply via your super fund's online portal or the ATO's DASP system, depending on where your super is held.
6. Receive payment. Processing typically takes 28 days. Payment is made to an overseas bank account in Australian dollars, or an Australian bank account if still open.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Applying before your visa expires. Your application will be rejected. You must wait until the visa has expired or been cancelled.
• Forgetting about lost super. Many working holiday makers have small amounts sitting in ATO-held accounts from short-term jobs. Check the ATO's super search tool via myGov before you leave.
• Closing your Australian bank account before receiving payment. If you want payment to a local account, keep it open until the DASP is processed. Overseas transfers can have currency conversion costs.
• Not providing your TFN. Without a TFN, a higher withholding rate may apply. Always link your TFN to your super account.

Frequently asked questions

How long does the DASP process take? Super funds are required to process DASP applications within 28 days of receiving a complete application. The ATO's process for ATO-held super can take slightly longer. Most applicants receive payment within four to six weeks.

Can I claim DASP if I plan to return to Australia one day? If you later return to Australia on a new visa and work again, you will accumulate new super contributions. The DASP you claimed previously is separate — you receive it, pay the tax, and it is done. It does not prevent you from accumulating super again in the future.

What if my super fund cannot locate me? If you did not claim DASP and your fund loses contact with you, they will eventually transfer your balance to the ATO as a lost member. You can still claim it by contacting the ATO directly or through the ATO's unclaimed super portal. The same DASP withholding tax applies.

Related calculator

See how your super balance grows over time with employer contributions → Superannuation Calculator