If cost is stopping you from accessing life-changing weight loss surgery, you're not alone. Many Australians don't realise they may be able to access their superannuation early on compassionate grounds.
The answer is yes – you may be eligible to use your super to fund medically necessary bariatric surgery if you meet specific ATO criteria.
Book My ConsultationFind out if you qualify in a consultation with our team
⚠️ Educational Information Only: This guide provides general information about accessing superannuation on compassionate grounds. We are not financial advisors. The ATO makes all final eligibility decisions. Consult your super fund and the ATO for advice specific to your circumstances.
The process to access your super for weight loss surgery
Schedule a consultation with a qualified bariatric surgeon to assess your surgery eligibility. The surgeon will determine if you're a suitable candidate and provide you with a detailed cost quote.
What you'll get: Medical assessment, treatment recommendation, itemised cost breakdown, and documentation needed for your ATO application.
Contact your superannuation fund to confirm they allow early release on compassionate grounds. Not all funds permit this, and you may need to transfer to a fund that does.
What you'll need: GP report confirming medical necessity, specialist referral, and evidence that you cannot afford the surgery through other means.
Submit your compassionate grounds application through your myGov account. Upload all medical documentation, cost estimates, and evidence of financial hardship. The ATO processes applications in up to 14 days for online submissions or 28 days for paper applications.
Our role: We provide the medical documentation and cost breakdown your surgeon gives you. You handle the ATO application directly.
If approved by the ATO, your super fund releases the funds to your nominated bank account. You pay the surgeon directly and can begin your life-changing treatment immediately.
The benefit: No interest charges, no ongoing debt, no payment plans. Your surgery is fully funded from your own superannuation.
Tax note: If you're under 60, the taxable component may be taxed up to 22% (including Medicare levy). If you're 60+, withdrawals are generally tax-free.
General criteria for compassionate grounds release (the ATO makes final decisions)
⚠️ Important: These are general guidelines based on ATO criteria. The ATO assesses each compassionate grounds application individually, and only they can determine your eligibility. We cannot guarantee approval. For official information, visit the ATO website or contact them directly.
Unlike loans or payment plans, accessing your super means no ongoing repayments, no interest charges, and no debt burden weighing on you during recovery.
Your health can't wait years while you save. Obesity-related conditions like diabetes, sleep apnea, and joint problems worsen over time. This pathway allows you to address them now.
Weight loss surgery can resolve or improve diabetes, reduce heart disease risk, eliminate sleep apnea, and extend your life. Many consider it the best investment they can make in their longevity.
Your superannuation is your money, set aside for your future. Using it for medically necessary treatment that improves your quality of life and longevity is a legitimate use of that resource.
While accessing your super for surgery can be life-changing, it's important to understand the trade-offs and make an informed decision:
Reduces retirement savings: Any funds withdrawn now won't be available in retirement. Consider consulting a financial advisor about the long-term impact.
Approval is not guaranteed: The ATO may decline your application. Make sure you understand the criteria before proceeding with surgery based on this funding option.
Tax implications: If you're under 60, you'll pay tax (up to 22% including Medicare levy) on the taxable component. If 60+, it's tax-free. Consult your super fund and accountant.
Additional ongoing costs: Remember that surgery has ongoing costs like vitamins, supplements, follow-up appointments, and potential complications. Factor these into your budget.
Explore all options first: Before accessing super, explore Medicare rebates, private health insurance benefits, and payment plans. Super should be considered after other options.
We'll support you with the medical side of your application. For financial and superannuation advice, please consult a licensed financial advisor or contact the ATO directly.
Book a consultation to discuss your surgery eligibility and get the medical documentation you need for your superannuation application.
Book My ConsultationNo obligation. We'll help you understand if this pathway is right for your circumstances.
Need to understand costs first? Use our Cost Calculator to see what you might need to withdraw from your super.
"Over 20,000 Australians accessed their superannuation for medical treatment in 2023-24 via compassionate grounds release (ATO statistics). With proper medical documentation and meeting the ATO criteria, this pathway can make life-changing surgery accessible when other options aren't available."
Source: ATO Compassionate Release Statistics 2023-24
This guide is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or medical advice. We are not financial advisors, and we cannot provide advice about accessing your superannuation or the impact on your retirement savings. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) makes all final decisions regarding compassionate grounds applications, and approval is not guaranteed. Eligibility criteria may change, and individual circumstances vary. Before making any decisions about accessing your superannuation, you should:
Weight Loss Surgery Australia is an educational resource and directory. We do not provide financial services, make financial recommendations, or guarantee outcomes related to superannuation applications.
