FAQs

To apply to the ATO you must include relevant itemised quotes or invoices:

• on the medical provider's letterhead dated
• no more than six months old for quotes
• no more than 30 days old for unpaid invoices

You can apply for certain paid expenses where you borrow money to pay for the expense and the borrowed amount remains outstanding. Quotes/invoices need to contain itemised expenses.

The reports supporting your applicaton must be:

• completed no more than six months before you submit your application.
• signed, dated and submitted with your application.
• completed by two doctors involved in your care, at least one of which must be a specialist and submitted with the documents listed above.

If you are applying to pay for medical treatment expenses you must:

• provide two separate medical reports. One is usually from your GP, and the other must be from a registered medical specialist
• the registered medical specialist must be specialised in the field of treatment for the patient
• the ATO will only consider one treatment per application

The ATO can only approve the application if you:

• meet the eligibility requirements of the compassionate ground you’re applying for
• can’t afford to pay the expenses without accessing your super e.g. by obtaining a loan or using your savings
• are or have been a citizen or permanent resident of Australia or New Zealand
• provide all required supporting evidence and invoices/quotes

The amount of superannuation you can withdraw is limited to what you reasonably need. It is paid and taxed as a normal lump sum, this is generally at a rate up to 32% but can differ depending on your circumstances. Your super fund will automatically deduct the tax from your super account, in addition to the approved release amount – the amount you receive from the release will not be affected.

The ATO medical report form is an ATO standard form. You can download it here. We have the form on our system therefore you do not need to send us a blank copy

The ATO can decline an application for several reasons. This is often a trivial issue (e.g. failing to date your paperwork) or a word or two that needs altering.

• The ATO will send you a letter advising why your application was declined.
• If you don’t understand the decision, you can contact the ATO for further explanation.

Please also contact us if our paperwork needs to be adjusted to see if we can help you resolve this. The ATO can review their decision if disputed within 14 days.