What is superannuation?
Superannuation, or ‘super’, is Australia’s retirement savings system. It is the main way most people in Australia save money for their retirement. It is like the National Provident Funds that operate in many Pacific island countries.
When you start a new job in Australia, you are required to choose a super fund. Your employer will then contribute an amount of money into your super fund account while you are working in Australia, in addition to the salary that is paid directly to you. As per Australian law, the amount your employer must contribute towards your super is calculated as 11.5 per cent of your salary (this will increase to 12 per cent from 1 July 2025). Your super fund then invests this money to grow it for you.
How can I access my super?
PALM scheme workers (and other temporary residents on a work visa) can access the money in their super account as a Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP) by submitting an online application.
As a PALM scheme worker, you can claim your super as a DASP if:
- you have departed Australia,
- your visa has either expired or been cancelled,
- you no longer hold any kind of Australian visa (including tourist visas), and
- you are not an Australian or New Zealand citizen or permanent resident of Australia.
If it has been six months or more since you left Australia, you no longer have an Australian visa, and you have not claimed your DASP, your super fund will transfer the money in your super account to the ATO as unclaimed super money. You can claim your unclaimed super money as a DASP at any time.
What support is available to me to access my super?
A range of resources and activities are available to support PALM scheme workers to access their superannuation, including:
- online resources,
- in-person support from participating Government-funded National Tax Clinics, and
- virtual (telephone/online) support.
For PALM scheme workers still in Australia
In-person group superannuation support – National Tax Clinics offer support to help you start preparing your DASP claim while you are still in Australia to make it easier for you to lodge your DASP claim when you return home. This service is available at participating worksites in select regions throughout the year.
Virtual (telephone/online) one-on-one superannuation support – the PALM scheme DASP Advisory Service is available to assist you in preparing and submitting your DASP claim. This includes providing you with the information you need before you leave Australia so that you can make choices for your superannuation that are right for you. Engagement of this telephone/online support must be done while you are still in Australia. This support is currently available in English.
How can I access this support?
If you have questions about your superannuation or would like to know if there are superannuation support activities planned for your region or worksite, you can ask your PALM scheme employer.
If your employer cannot answer your questions or you would like more information, you can call the PALM scheme support service line (1800 51 51 31) or email (palm@dewr.gov.au) and PALM scheme staff will share a survey link with you to direct you to available support.
For PALM scheme workers who have returned home
The detailed DASP online application factsheet has been developed to provide step-by-step support to complete your DASP application.
The Australian Government is currently considering how to further support PALM scheme workers who have already returned home in accessing their super.
Further information and resources
Information on Australian superannuation requirements and the DASP is available in the languages of PALM scheme participating countries.
Find the following resources on the PALM scheme website:
- Understanding your superannuation: a guide for Pacific and Timor-Leste workers
- Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP) online application factsheet
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) website also has a range of information and resources for PALM scheme workers, both on superannuation and taxation:
For PALM scheme employers
In-person group superannuation support – outreach visits are organised by the Australian Government with select employers in consultation with participating National Tax Clinics. Enquiries about the National Tax Clinic program’s outreach activities for PALM scheme workers should be directed to DEWR (palm@dewr.gov.au), including if you are interested in hosting a National Tax Clinic visit. Please do not approach National Tax Clinics directly in the first instance.
Virtual (telephone/online) one-on-one superannuation support – further information on and access to the PALM scheme DASP Advisory Service is available by calling the PALM scheme support service line (1800 51 51 31) or emailing (palm@dewr.gov.au). Workers (or their delegate) will be asked to express their interest in receiving the telephone/online support by completing a simple online form. Please note that this support is in English only and available to PALM scheme workers who are still in Australia at the time of engagement.
For labour sending units and country liaison officers
If you work for a participating country’s government labour sending unit and wish to know more about superannuation support activities for PALM scheme workers, please contact (PALM.communications@dfat.gov.au).