If you worked in Australia on a temporary visa, your employer may have paid superannuation into a super fund on your behalf. When you permanently leave Australia, you may be eligible to claim this super through a Departing Australia Superannuation Payment, commonly known as DASP.
This guide explains what DASP is, who can claim it, what documents you need, how the process works, and what tax may be deducted before you receive your payment.
What is DASP?
DASP stands for Departing Australia Superannuation Payment. It allows eligible temporary residents to withdraw their Australian superannuation after they have left Australia and their visa has expired or been cancelled.
In simple terms, if you worked in Australia on a temporary visa and earned super, you may be able to take that super with you when you leave Australia permanently.
Who can claim DASP?
You may be eligible to claim DASP if:
- You worked in Australia on an eligible temporary resident visa;
- Superannuation was paid into a super fund for you;
- You have already left Australia;
- Your Australian temporary visa has expired or been cancelled;
- You are not an Australian citizen;
- You are not an Australian permanent resident; and
- You are not a New Zealand citizen.
Generally, visa subclasses 405 and 410 are excluded from DASP eligibility.
You cannot submit the DASP application while you are still in Australia or while your visa is still active. However, you may be able to start preparing your information before you leave.
When should you apply?
You can apply after:
1. You have departed Australia; and
2. Your visa has expired or been cancelled.
If your visa is still active after you leave Australia, you may need to wait until it expires or request cancellation through the Department of Home Affairs.
It is best to apply as soon as you are eligible because, if your super remains unclaimed, your fund may eventually transfer it to the ATO as unclaimed super. You can still claim it later, but the process may take longer.
Documents and information you may need
Before starting your DASP application, prepare the following:
- Passport details;
- Visa details;
- Australian Tax File Number, if available;
- Email address;
- Current postal address;
- Super fund name;
- Super fund ABN;
- Super member number or account number;
- Australian or overseas bank details, depending on your fund’s payment options;
- Proof of identity, if requested by the super fund;
- Evidence that you have left Australia, if requested.
Your TFN is optional, but providing it can make it easier for the system to locate your super accounts.
Step-by-step guide to claiming DASP
Step 1: Check your eligibility
Before applying, confirm that you:
- Were in Australia on an eligible temporary visa;
- Have left Australia;
- No longer hold an active Australian visa;
- Are not an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or New Zealand citizen.
If you are unsure about your visa status, check your visa details through the Department of Home Affairs.
Step 2: Find your super fund details
You need to know where your super is held. Check:
- Your payslips;
- Employment records;
- Super fund emails;
- Annual super statements;
- Your myGov account linked to the ATO, if you still have access;
- The ATO DASP online application system.
If you had multiple employers in Australia, you may have more than one super account.
Step 3: Wait for your visa to expire or cancel it
You cannot submit the final DASP claim while your visa is still active. If you have left Australia but your visa has not expired, you may need to wait or request visa cancellation.
Do not cancel your visa if you still need to return to Australia on that visa. Get advice before taking action if you are unsure.
Step 4: Apply through the ATO DASP online system
Most applicants apply online through the ATO’s DASP online application system. The system allows you to apply for super held by both super funds and the ATO.
You will be asked to enter personal details, passport details, visa information, super fund details and contact information. The online application usually takes around 30 minutes to complete.
Step 5: Complete identity and eligibility checks
The ATO system may check your details with the Department of Home Affairs to confirm that:
- You have left Australia;
- Your visa has expired or been cancelled;
- You are eligible to apply.
Make sure your name, date of birth and passport details match your visa and super fund records. Small mismatches can delay your application.
Step 6: Submit your application
Before submitting, carefully review all details. Once submitted, your application details generally cannot be changed through the online system.
After submission, your super fund or the ATO will process your claim. They may contact you if they need more information or certified documents.
Step 7: Wait for processing
DASP payments are generally processed within around 28 days after the super fund or ATO receives all required information. However, delays can occur if:
- Your details do not match;
- Your visa status cannot be confirmed;
- Your identity documents are incomplete;
- Your super fund requires extra verification;
- Your super has already been transferred to the ATO.
If your payment is delayed, contact your super fund directly. If your super is held by the ATO, contact the ATO.
How much tax is deducted from DASP?
DASP is not usually paid to you tax-free. Tax is deducted before the balance is released.
The rate depends on your visa type and the components of your super.
For many non-working holiday maker temporary visa holders, the taxable component is commonly taxed at:
- 35% for the taxed element;
- 45% for the untaxed element.
For working holiday makers, including subclass 417 and 462 visa holders, the DASP tax rate is generally 65% on the taxable component.
This tax is withheld before payment, so the amount you receive will usually be less than your total super balance.
Do you include DASP in your tax return?
Generally, DASP is a separate superannuation payment and tax is withheld before it is paid to you. In most cases, you do not include the DASP amount as ordinary income in your Australian tax return.
However, if you also worked in Australia during the financial year, you may still need to lodge a final Australian tax return to report your salary, wages and other taxable income.
Common mistakes to avoid
Avoid these common DASP mistakes:
- Applying before leaving Australia;
- Applying while your visa is still active;
- Entering passport or name details incorrectly;
- Forgetting old super fund accounts;
- Not checking whether super has been transferred to the ATO;
- Using a different email address and losing access to updates;
- Not lodging a final tax return where required;
- Assuming the full super balance will be paid without tax.
Can S&S Accounting & Business Services help?
Yes. S&S Accounting & Business Services can assist temporary residents and former Australian workers with:
- Checking DASP eligibility;
- Reviewing visa and super details;
- Locating super fund information;
- Preparing DASP application information;
- Explaining DASP tax deductions;
- Preparing final Australian tax returns;
- Advising on ATO-held super and unclaimed super.
If you are leaving Australia or have already returned overseas, our team can help you understand the correct process and avoid unnecessary delays.
Final thoughts
DASP can be a helpful way to access your Australian superannuation after leaving Australia, but it is important to follow the correct process. You must generally wait until you have left Australia and your visa has expired or been cancelled before submitting your application.
Before applying, gather your passport, visa, TFN and super fund details. Also remember that DASP tax may significantly reduce the final amount you receive, especially if you held a working holiday maker visa.
For professional assistance, contact S&S Accounting & Business Services and our team can guide you through the DASP and final tax return process.