›I just got permanent residency (PR). What happens to my super?
Congratulations — but you can no longer claim DASP. Permanent residents (and citizens) are treated like all Australians: your super stays invested until you reach preservation age (generally 60). Nothing bad happens to the money — it keeps growing, and your employer keeps contributing 12%. Two smart moves after getting PR: consolidate multiple funds into one to stop paying duplicate fees, and check what insurance you're paying for inside each fund.
›I worked on a working holiday visa first, then a student visa. Which tax rate applies?
Watch out: if any of your super contributions were made while you held a working holiday visa (417 or 462), the 65% rate generally applies to the whole payment — not just the working holiday portion. If you only ever worked on a student or other temporary visa, the 35% rate applies.
›Can I claim DASP before I leave Australia?
You can prepare the application online before you leave (and it's much easier while you still have access to your Australian phone number and myGov), but the payment can only be made after you've departed Australia and your temporary visa has expired or been cancelled. You can ask the Department of Home Affairs to cancel your visa early if you've left for good.
›I left Australia years ago and never claimed. Is my super gone?
No — you can still claim. If you don't claim within about 6 months of leaving, your fund usually transfers the money to the ATO as unclaimed super. It doesn't disappear; you just claim it from the ATO instead of the fund, through the same DASP online application.
›How long does the payment take?
Once your application is complete, funds are generally required to pay within 28 days. Payments can go to an Australian bank account, an international bank account, or by cheque - an Australian account is usually fastest, so consider keeping yours open until the money arrives.
›Can I get the 65% tax back later?
No. DASP tax is a final withholding tax — it isn't part of your income tax return, and there's no refund mechanism. The rate is harsh by design (working holiday makers received super at 12% like everyone else, and the government claws most of it back on exit).
›I'm a New Zealand citizen. Can I claim DASP?
Generally no — NZ citizens can usually stay in Australia indefinitely, so they don't qualify. Instead, under the trans-Tasman retirement savings portability scheme, you can transfer your Australian super to a KiwiSaver scheme when you move home permanently.
›What if I might come back to Australia on another visa later?
You can still claim DASP now if you meet the conditions — a future visa doesn't stop you. But if you're likely to return and work again soon, it can be worth leaving the super invested instead of paying 35–65% tax, especially with a larger balance. If you claim and later return, you simply start a new super account.
›Do I need a tax agent to claim DASP?
No. The ATO's DASP online application is free and most people finish it in about 20 minutes. You'll need your passport details, TFN, visa information and super fund details. Agents charge $100 or more for submitting the same form and cannot get you a better tax rate.