Can I Use My Super to Pay for Rehab?
Your Super Could Help Fund Your Recovery.
Eligible Australians may be able to access their Super early on compassionate grounds to help pay for qualifying addiction treatment. This can potentially include treatment for alcohol, drug or gambling addiction, subject to current ATO requirements and individual approval.
If the upfront cost of treatment is holding you back, we can explain the treatment costs, provide the documentation relating to your Foundations programme and connect you with independent support to understand the application process.
- Keep your current cash available
- Guidance through every step
- No commitment to ask
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Keep your current
cash available -
Guidance through
every step -
No commitment
to ask
A possible way forward
Do not let the upfront cost make the decision for you
When you know you need help, paying for private treatment can feel like one more impossible thing to solve. Even if you have savings, using a large amount of current cash may make it harder to step away from work, support your family or feel secure while you recover.
For some Australians, early access to superannuation can help cover eligible treatment costs. It may allow you to begin sooner while keeping more of your day-to-day money available.
You do not need to understand the rules before speaking with us. Start with one confidential conversation. We will explain the treatment cost, introduce the application support available and help you understand the next step.
It May Be Worth Investigating If:
- You are considering treatment for alcohol, drug, gambling or related mental health concerns.
- The proposed treatment may meet the ATO criteria for qualifying medical treatment.
- You have Super available and want to understand whether compassionate release could apply.
- You would like support understanding the evidence and application process.
Eligibility is determined under current ATO rules. Foundations cannot determine whether an application will be approved.
We take care of the parts we can
Independent Australian Support Through Release My Super
Foundations works with Release My Super, an Australian service specialising in compassionate release of Super for medical treatment, including addiction and mental health treatment.
Their team can manage the process from eligibility assessment through to medical appointments, supporting evidence, ATO application and liaison with your Super fund following approval.
Foundations works alongside them by providing the treatment information, programme proposal and quote relating to your treatment with us.
- Eligibility assessment
- ATO application support
- Medical appointments
- Super fund liaison
How it works
A straightforward path from first call to application
There are a few formal steps, but you do not need to manage them without guidance. We help make each stage clear and keep treatment planning moving alongside the application.
01
Start with a private conversation
Tell us what is happening and what treatment you are considering. We can explain the relevant Foundations programme, its cost and whether accessing Super may be worth exploring.
02
We connect you with Release My Super
Small, supported groups help you feel less alone, learn from shared experience and practise honest connection at a pace that feels manageable.
03
Release My Super manages the application process
If you choose to proceed, Release My Super can coordinate the required GP and psychiatrist appointments, gather the supporting medical evidence, prepare your application and lodge it with the ATO on your behalf.
04
From ATO approval through to fund release
The ATO makes the decision on your compassionate-release application. If approved, Release My Super can then liaise with your Super fund through the next stage of the process to help arrange release of the approved funds.
Start with the question
Could my super make treatment possible?
You do not need to decide today. Tell us what is happening and we will help you understand the treatment cost, whether this pathway may be worth exploring and what would happen next.
Treatment outside Australia
Can I Use My Super to Pay for Rehab in Bali?
Compassionate release of Super can potentially apply to qualifying medical treatment outside Australia, but overseas treatment has additional evidentiary requirements and approval is not automatic.
If you are considering treatment at Foundations Bali, we can provide the programme information, treatment proposal and quote relating to your application and connect you with independent application support. This may relate to Residential Rehab, Medical Detox or the 14-Day Reset, depending on the treatment being proposed.
For the current eligibility criteria and requirements, refer directly to the Australian Taxation Office guidance on compassionate release of Super.
Using super for treatment
The questions people ask first
We will answer questions in plain language and without pressure. These answers are general information only, because eligibility and approval depend on your circumstances and current ATO rules.
Can I use my Super for alcohol rehab?
Eligible Australians may be able to access Super early on compassionate grounds for qualifying alcohol addiction treatment. Approval depends on the treatment, supporting medical evidence and whether the application meets current ATO requirements.
Can I use my Super for drug rehab?
Compassionate release may potentially be available for qualifying drug addiction treatment. Each application is assessed individually under the ATO's current medical-treatment criteria.
Can I use my Super for gambling rehab?
Treatment relating to gambling addiction may potentially form part of an application where the proposed treatment and individual circumstances satisfy the relevant compassionate-release criteria. Approval is not automatic, so eligibility should be assessed against current ATO requirements.
Can super really be used to pay for rehab?
Eligible Australians may be able to apply for early release of super on compassionate grounds to pay for qualifying medical treatment. Approval is case by case and is determined by the ATO and your super fund.
Do I have to be in financial hardship?
Compassionate release and severe financial hardship are different pathways. The relevant pathway depends on your circumstances. A confidential initial conversation can help identify what information you need before applying.
Will Foundations submit the application for me?
Foundations does not submit the application itself. We can connect you directly with our Australian partner, Release My Super, who can assess your eligibility and, if you proceed with their service, coordinate the medical evidence, prepare and lodge the application and assist through the Super fund release process. Foundations provides the treatment proposal, programme information and quote they need from us.
What documents are usually required?
The ATO requires evidence to support medical-treatment applications, including medical reports and a quote or invoice. The exact evidence depends on the application and current ATO requirements.
How long does approval take?
Timing varies and cannot be guaranteed. It depends on how quickly the supporting evidence is completed, the ATO assessment and your super fund's processing. We help you prepare properly so avoidable delays are less likely.
Can I use super to fund treatment for someone I love?
In some circumstances, compassionate release may be available for eligible expenses for a dependant. This is assessed under ATO rules and requires evidence of the relationship and medical need.
Does applying commit me to treatment?
No. You can first ask about eligibility, the process and treatment costs. We will explain the options clearly before you make any commitment.
Important information
Release My Super is an independent Australian service and is not part of Foundations Bali. Foundations provides information and documentation relating to your proposed treatment. Release My Super can manage the compassionate-release application process on your behalf. Applications are assessed under current ATO requirements and final approval is outside Foundations' control.
This page provides general information only and is not financial, legal or medical advice. Consider seeking independent financial advice, including about tax, insurance and the long-term effect of withdrawing super early.
What happens when you reach out
One conversation. A clearer next step.
01
We listen
Tell us what has been happening, in your own words and at your own pace.
02
We talk through your options
Ask anything you need to know about treatment, timing, costs, detox or coming to Bali.
03
We plan the next step
If Foundations feels right, we help make the process of getting here clear and manageable.
A private first step
Talk to Someone Who Understands
You do not need to be ready to commit. Speak with someone who understands addiction, ask your questions and find out whether Foundations may be right for you.
