Accessing your benefit
Preservation age
The preservation age of a fund member is defined in the table below. You will see that it increases gradually from age 55 to 60, for those born after June 1960.
| Date of birth | Preservation age |
|---|---|
| Before 1 July 1960 | 55 years |
| Between 1 July 1960 and 30 June 1961 | 56 years |
| Between 1 July 1961 and 30 June 1962 | 57 years |
| Between 1 July 1962 and 30 June 1963 | 58 years |
| Between 1 July 1963 and 30 June 1964 | 59 years |
| After 30 June 1964 | 60 years |
Preservation rules at different ages
- If you have reached your preservation age, but are under age 60, retirement means you have ceased work permanently.
- After you reach age 60, you can access your preserved benefit whenever you cease your employment.
- At age 65 you can access all of your benefit, whether or not you have ceased employment or retired.
For more information about preservation age, refer to STC Fact Sheet 4: When can I be paid my superannuation benefits.