Australians Withdrew Nearly $1.5 Billion From Their Super Funds, Most for Dental Work

Australians had $892 million approved for dental treatment from their superannuation in 2025/26, a 9 percent increase from the previous year, a significant slowdown from the 55 percent growth seen in 2024/25. The number of individuals approved for such withdrawals saw a modest 2 percent rise to 33,550, contrasting with a much larger increase the year before. Early super withdrawals can be made on compassionate grounds, including for medical treatments for life-threatening illnesses or to alleviate severe pain.

• Australians were approved to withdraw $892 million from superannuation for dental treatment in 2025/26.
• This represents a 9 percent growth, a sharp slowdown from the 55 percent growth in the previous year.
• The number of people approved for dental withdrawals rose only 2 percent to 33,550.
• Superannuation can be withdrawn early on compassionate grounds, such as for life-threatening illnesses or to relieve serious pain.
• The Australian Dental Association views these figures as indicative of people’s inability to afford necessary dental care.