Can I Access My Super For Dental Treatment?

 

Dental care is an essential part of healthcare, but the cost of certain treatments can be expensive in Australia. 

Many Australians, especially low-income earners, struggle to pay for these expensive but necessary treatments. Fortunately, there is an option to access your Super early to cover the cost of your dental treatment.

Continue reading this article If you are curious about how you can access your Super for Brisbane dental implant treatment.

Understanding Superannuation: What You Need to Know

Superannuation is an important aspect of the Australian financial system, as almost 10 million people are enrolled under the Superfund. Superannuation is a retirement savings plan which as the name implies is designed to help Australians save toward their retirement.

So, what exactly is Superannuation? Simply put, it is a system where a portion of your income is kept and invested on your behalf to provide you with an income upon retirement. The money is held in a Superfund, which is managed by a trustee that invests on your behalf.

There are different types of Superannuation funds, some of which are

Industry Super funds:

These are designed to cater for specific industries and they are generally run by unions or employer associations.

Retail Super funds:

This Superannuation is designed to be more flexible than industry Super funds and is offered by banks and other financial institutions.

Self-managed Super funds (SMSFs):

This Superannuation is the one you manage yourself and is only suitable for people who have the experience and knowledge of making investment decisions.

Dental Care in Australia: Understanding the Importance, Costs, and Options

As you would imagine, dental care is essential to your overall well-being and regular check-ups and treatments are vital to maintaining good oral health. However, these dental treatment costs in Australia can be quite challenging for many individuals and families.

Low-income earners might find the high cost of dental treatments particularly challenging, as they are unable to afford the necessary treatments. Fortunately, there are options available for those who need financial assistance, such as government-funded dental programs and payment plans offered by dental clinics.

Dental care should be treated as a priority because poor oral health can lead to a range of health problems including tooth decay, gum disease, and even cardiovascular disease. Regular dental checkups can help prevent more significant dental problems and may even save you money in the long run.

Early Release of Super for Dental Treatment

Australians who cannot cover their dental treatment cost can access Superannuation funds for dental treatment. It allows you to withdraw a portion of your funds for dental treatment, even before you reach the age of retirement.

Below are the eligibility criteria for the early release of your Super for dental treatment:

• Have a medical condition that requires dental treatment.
• Have no other means to pay for the treatment.
• The treatment is not considered cosmetic or elective.
• The treatment is not available through the public health system.

The application involves the completion of an early release of the Superannuation for dental treatment form and providing supporting documentation.

We recommend using your Super to pay for dental treatment as a last resort because it can impact your retirement savings. Before you apply, explore other options, such as government-funded dental programs or dental clinics’ payment plans.

Steps to Access Super for Dental Treatment

Below are straightforward steps to guide you through accessing your Superannuation funds for dental treatment.

Step 1: Confirm your eligibility

You need to confirm your eligibility for the early release of your Superannuation. Check the eligibility criteria above or contact a financial advisor to see if you qualify.

Step 2: Get a quote for your dental treatment

Obtain a dental treatment quote before you apply. This quote should contain a treatment plan, item numbers, and costs. You can get it from your dentist or dental clinic.

Step 3: Complete the Early Release of Super for dental treatment form

The next step is to complete the Early Release of Super for Dental Treatment form. You can obtain the form from the Australian Taxation Office website or your Superannuation fund. The form requires your personal details, Superannuation details, and details of your medical condition and treatment.

Step 4: Submit the form to your Super fund

Once you have completed the form and gathered all the necessary supporting documents which should include your dental report, apply to your Super fund. Then they will review your application and supporting documentation.

Step 5: Wait for the outcome of your application

Finally, you will wait for the outcome of your application. This time can vary, and you can be asked for additional information or documentation. Once your application is approved, the funds will be released directly to your dentist or dental clinic.

Super Funds with Dental Access Programs

Several Superannuation funds in Australia offer dental access programs that allow members to use their Super for dental treatment. Below are some of these Super funds.

Australian Super Dental

The Australian Super Dental program is offered by Australian Super which provides members access to discounted dental treatments. Members can access up to $1,000 per calendar year to pay for eligible dental treatment.

REST Super Early Release Dental

The REST Super Early Release Dental is a program offered by Rest Super to members and it enables them to pay for their dental treatment. You must meet certain criteria, such as having no alternative means of payment, to be eligible.

Using Super for Dental Treatment in Brisbane: A Guide

As already established, dental treatment can be quite expensive, and many Australians struggle to meet the cost in Brisbane. However, Superannuation allows you to pay for these dental treatments.

Moorooka Dental Care has a variety of dental treatment options ranging from general dentistry to orthodontics and cosmetic dentistry. Some common dental treatments include check-ups, extractions, fillings, root canal treatment, and dental implants.

To access your Superannuation for dental treatment in Brisbane, you must meet certain criteria and these vary depending on your Superfund and the type of dental treatment you need. You must also show that you require a medically necessary treatment that you have no other means to pay for.

FAQ

Is there a limit on the amount of Superannuation that can be released for dental treatment?

Yes, there is a limit on the amount that can be released for dental treatment, and it depends on the individual’s circumstances.

How long does it take to access Superannuation for dental treatment?

It can take several weeks for the funds to be processed, but the time to access your Superannuation funds for dental treatment varies.

What happens if my application for early release of Superannuation is denied?

You can appeal the decision or explore other means of payment, such as government-funded programs if your application is denied.

Can I access my Superannuation for dental treatment if I am on a temporary visa?

No, you cannot access your Super for dental treatment if you are on a temporary visa.