Every working holiday maker I have ever employed asks me the same thing on their last week: “wait, can I actually get my super back?” Yes, and most people leave real money on the table simply because they never claim it. Here is exactly how it works.
Quick answer: You can claim your Australian superannuation back after you leave the country for good, through the Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP). Working holiday makers (subclass 417/462) are taxed at 65% on the taxable component, while most other temporary visa holders are taxed at 35%. Apply online through the ATO after your visa has expired and you have left the country.
What Superannuation Actually Is
While you worked in Australia, your employer was legally required to pay superannuation, currently 12% of your ordinary earnings, into a super fund on your behalf. This applies regardless of whether you were casual, part-time, or full-time. It is not deducted from your pay, it is paid on top of it.
Why You Can Claim It Back
Superannuation is designed as a retirement savings system for Australian residents. Since temporary visa holders are not going to retire in Australia, the government allows you to claim this money back once you leave permanently, through a Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP).
The Tax Rate Is the Part That Surprises People
This is the detail that catches most people off guard: DASP is taxed at final withholding rates that are significantly higher than standard super tax.
- Working holiday makers (subclass 417 or 462): 65% tax on the taxable component
- Other temporary visa holders (student, skilled worker, graduate, etc.): 35% tax on the taxable component
- Tax-free component (rare, only applies if you made personal after-tax contributions): not taxed at all
The 65% rate for working holiday makers applies even if you later switched to a different visa type, as long as any of your super was accumulated during a period on a 417 or 462 visa.
One nuance worth knowing: that 35% only applies to the “taxed” component of your super, which covers most standard employer contributions. If any part of your balance is in an “untaxed” component (less common, this can happen with certain government or unfunded super arrangements), that portion is taxed at 45% instead. Your fund will work this out for you, but it is why two people with the same balance can occasionally see slightly different final payments.
A Worked Example
If you earned $30,000 over a working holiday, your employer would have contributed roughly $3,450 in super. After 65% DASP tax, you would receive approximately $1,200. It feels like a lot to lose, but it is still money you would not have had otherwise, and there is no legitimate way to reduce the rate.
How to Actually Claim It
1. Make sure your visa has expired or been cancelled, and that you have physically left Australia
2. Apply through the ATO’s DASP online system, which you can access from overseas
3. You will need your passport, visa details, Tax File Number (if you have one), and your super fund’s details
4. If you had more than one job, you may need to apply separately to each super fund that holds your money
Don’t Wait Too Long
If you do not claim your DASP within six months of leaving Australia and your visa expiring, your super fund is required to transfer your balance to the ATO as unclaimed money. You can still claim it after that point, but it adds extra steps and delay. Claiming as soon as you are eligible is the simplest path.
What About Permanent Residents or Citizens?
DASP is only available to former temporary visa holders. If you become an Australian citizen or permanent resident, this option is not available, and your super stays preserved under the normal rules until retirement age.
Want a quick estimate before you go through the official process? Try our Super and DASP Refund Calculator to see roughly what you could get back.
Selling your car is often another job on the same to-do list as claiming your super — see what to know before selling a car in Australia for roadworthy rules, registration transfer, and getting paid safely.
FAQs
How much tax will I pay on my DASP claim?
Working holiday makers (subclass 417/462) are taxed at 65% on the taxable component. Most other temporary visa holders are taxed at 35% on the taxed element of their super, and 45% on any untaxed element (less common — mainly certain government or unfunded super arrangements).
When can I apply for DASP?
You can apply online through the ATO once your visa has expired and you have left Australia permanently.
Do I get superannuation even if I only worked casual shifts?
Yes. Employers are legally required to pay superannuation — currently 12% of your ordinary earnings — on top of your pay, regardless of whether you were casual, part-time, or full-time.
What happens if I don’t claim my DASP soon after leaving?
If your DASP isn’t claimed within a set period after your visa ceases, your super fund can transfer the balance to the ATO as unclaimed super money. You can generally still claim it after that point, but the process is different, so it’s simpler to apply as soon as you’re eligible.
Want to understand how super actually works before you’re at the leaving-Australia stage? See how the 12% guarantee actually works day to day, including the new payday super rules.
Final Thoughts
The tax rate stings, especially at 65% for working holiday makers, but it is still real money that is otherwise sitting unclaimed. If you are wrapping up a working holiday or any temporary stay in Australia, claiming your DASP after you leave takes about twenty minutes online and is worth doing before you get busy settling back into life at home.
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*This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or tax advice. Confirm your specific eligibility and current DASP tax rates directly with the Australian Taxation Office.*