If you worked in Australia on a temporary visa and have now left the country — or are planning to leave — you may be entitled to claim your accumulated superannuation back through the Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP). In 2026, the ATO processes DASP claims online through myGov or the ATO DASP portal. Working holiday makers (417/462 visa holders) face a significantly higher DASP withholding tax rate. Here is everything you need to know.
Who Can Claim a Departing Australia Superannuation Payment?
You can apply for DASP if:
- You held a temporary visa (not a permanent resident or Australian citizen)
- You have left Australia
- Your visa has expired or been cancelled
- You are not an Australian or New Zealand citizen
New Zealand citizens with a Special Category Visa (subclass 444) are generally not eligible for DASP, as they can access super through normal retirement conditions like Australian residents.
DASP Withholding Tax Rates in 2026
DASP is not paid tax-free. The ATO withholds tax at the following rates before paying your super balance:
- Standard temporary visa holders: 35% withheld on the taxable component
- Working holiday makers (417/462 visa): 65% withheld on the taxable component — a significantly higher rate introduced in 2017 and maintained in 2026
- Tax-free component: Nil withholding tax applies (this is the after-tax contributions portion)
How to Claim Your DASP in 2026
- Wait until your visa has expired or been cancelled and you have departed Australia
- Log in to the ATO's DASP online application at ato.gov.au (no myGov account needed — you can apply with your TFN)
- Provide your TFN, visa details, super fund information, and bank account details for payment
- Your super fund processes the claim — the ATO verifies your visa status with the Department of Home Affairs
- Processing typically takes 28 days; complex cases may take longer
Unclaimed Super: What If You've Already Left?
If you left Australia without claiming your super, it may have been transferred to the ATO as "unclaimed super money" if your fund lost contact with you. You can still apply for DASP — the ATO holds unclaimed super indefinitely and there is no deadline to claim it. Search for lost super through the ATO's online services.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much tax is withheld from working holiday maker super payments?
Working holiday makers on 417 or 462 visas have 65% withheld from the taxable component of their DASP payment — compared to 35% for other temporary visa holders. This means a working holiday maker with $10,000 in super receives only $3,500 in cash after tax.
Can I claim DASP before leaving Australia?
No. You must have departed Australia and your visa must have expired or been cancelled before you can apply for DASP. The ATO verifies your departure and visa status with the Department of Home Affairs before processing your claim.
How long does a DASP claim take?
Most DASP claims lodged online are processed within 28 days. If your super is spread across multiple funds, you need to submit a separate application for each fund. Claims that require manual processing (complex visa situations, multiple funds) can take up to 3 months.
Leaving Australia and need help with your super claim or tax affairs? Contact AWTS for advice on DASP and departure tax obligations.
