If you've worked in Australia on a temporary visa, your employer has been putting money into a superannuation fund on your behalf - and with the super guarantee now at 12% of your ordinary earnings (from 1 July 2025), that's a meaningful amount sitting in your account. When you leave Australia permanently, you can claim most of it back through the Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP).
This guide walks you through exactly how DASP works, who qualifies, the step-by-step application process, and the critical timing strategy that could save you money.
What Is DASP and Who Qualifies?
A DASP is a lump-sum payment of your accumulated superannuation, available to temporary visa holders who have permanently departed Australia.
You are eligible for DASP if ALL of these apply:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Temporary visa holder | You worked on a visa such as 417, 462, 482, 500, or any other temporary visa |
| Visa has ceased | Your visa has expired, been cancelled, or otherwise ceased to be in effect |
| Departed Australia | You have physically left Australia |
| Not a citizen or PR | You are not an Australian citizen, New Zealand citizen, or permanent resident |
Key point: Your visa must have ceased before you can apply. If your visa is still active (even after you've left Australia), you'll need to wait until it formally expires or is cancelled. You can check your visa conditions and status to confirm.
If you're currently on a Working Holiday visa, you may also want to read our guide on Australian workplace rights for visa holders to make sure you've been paid correctly - including super - before you leave.
How Much Super Do You Have? The 12% Reality
Since 1 July 2025, the super guarantee rate is 12% of your ordinary time earnings. This means more money is flowing into your super account than ever before.
Example - Working Holiday Maker (9 months):
| Detail | Amount |
|---|---|
| Gross earnings (9 months) | ~$45,000 |
| Super at 12% | ~$5,400 |
| DASP tax (65% for WHM) | -$3,510 |
| You receive | ~$1,890 |
Example - Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (482, 12 months):
| Detail | Amount |
|---|---|
| Gross earnings (12 months) | ~$80,000 |
| Super at 12% | ~$9,600 |
| DASP tax (35% for non-WHM) | -$3,360 |
| You receive | ~$6,240 |
Don't leave money on the table. Even if you think the amount is small, 12% of everything you earned adds up - particularly if you worked for more than one employer during your stay.
DASP Tax Rates: How Much Will You Actually Get?
The ATO withholds tax on your DASP before paying you. The rate depends on whether you ever held a Working Holiday Maker visa:
| Component | WHM Visa (417/462) | Other Temporary Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Tax-free component | 0% | 0% |
| Taxed element (taxable) | 65% | 35% |
| Untaxed element (taxable) | 65% | 45% |
If you held a Working Holiday Maker visa (subclass 417 or 462) at any point, the higher 65% rate applies to your entire DASP - even if you later switched to a different visa. The WHM rate follows you.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for DASP
Step 1: Consolidate Your Super Funds
If you worked for multiple employers, you likely have super spread across several funds. Before applying for DASP, consolidate everything into one account:
- Sign in to myGov and link your ATO account
- Go to Super → Manage → view your linked super accounts
- Use the transfer/rollover function to consolidate into a single fund
- Check for lost or unclaimed super - the ATO holds super for people who can't be matched to a fund
Step 2: Lodge Your Tax Return (Recommended Before DASP)
Best practice: While DASP is classified as non-assessable non-exempt income (NANE) and won't appear on your tax return, tax professionals widely recommend lodging your final Australian tax return before applying for DASP. This avoids potential complications with your TFN records at the ATO. The recommended order is: (1) lodge tax return → (2) receive Notice of Assessment → (3) apply for DASP.
Many people apply for DASP immediately after departing without lodging their tax return. While this won't prevent you from receiving your DASP, sorting out your tax affairs first ensures a cleaner process - especially if you're owed a tax refund as well.
Step 3: Confirm Your Visa Has Been Cancelled
Your visa must have ceased to be in effect before you can submit a DASP application. The ATO checks your visa status with the Department of Home Affairs automatically.
If your visa hasn't been cancelled yet:
- 417/462 visas typically expire on their set end date
- 482 visas may remain active even after you leave - you may need to formally request cancellation
- 500 visas usually expire on the end date listed on your CoE
Step 4: Apply Online Through the ATO
- Visit the ATO's DASP online application page
- Complete the application form (you'll need your TFN, passport details, visa details, and bank account information)
- The ATO processes applications for both super held by funds and super held by the ATO
Step 5: Wait for Processing
DASP applications typically take 28 days from the date a complete application is received. If the ATO needs additional information, it may take longer.
Common Mistakes That Delay or Reduce Your DASP
| Mistake | Consequence | How to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Applying before visa is cancelled | Application rejected | Wait until visa formally ceases |
| Not consolidating multiple super funds | Missing super from other employers | Use myGov to find all accounts first |
| Applying for DASP before lodging tax return | Potential complications with TFN records | Lodge tax return first as best practice |
| Not searching for lost super | Money left unclaimed with the ATO | Check myGov → ATO → linked super accounts |
| Providing incorrect bank details | Payment delays or returned funds | Double-check international bank details (SWIFT/BIC) |
Finding Lost Super
Many temporary visa holders don't realise they have super sitting with the ATO as unclaimed money. Super funds are required to transfer unclaimed super to the ATO after 6 months from when your visa ceased and you left Australia.
How to find lost super:
- Log in to myGov → link your ATO account
- Navigate to Super → Manage
- View all your linked super accounts - including any held by the ATO
- If you can't access myGov from overseas, you can call the ATO on +61 2 6216 1111
Should You Keep Your Super Instead?
Not everyone should claim DASP. Consider keeping your super in Australia if:
- You plan to return to Australia on another visa in the future - read our guide on pathways from Working Holiday to permanent residency
- You may apply for permanent residency later - your super will continue to grow with investment returns
- The tax hit is too significant - at 65%, WHM holders receive only about a third of their taxable super
If you keep your super, your fund may eventually transfer it to the ATO as unclaimed super, but it will remain there until you either claim it or return to Australia.
Timeline: What to Expect
| Step | When |
|---|---|
| Consolidate super funds | Before you leave Australia (easiest with myGov access) |
| Lodge final tax return | After the financial year ends (1 July) or when you depart |
| Receive Notice of Assessment | 2-4 weeks after lodging |
| Apply for DASP online | After visa is cancelled and tax return is lodged |
| DASP payment received | Typically 28 days from complete application |
How First Migration Can Help
Navigating the DASP process alongside your final tax return requires careful timing. Our team at First Migration Service Centre can help you:
- Time your departure to maximise your tax position
- Coordinate your tax return and DASP application in the correct order
- Find lost super across multiple funds
- Plan your visa transition if you're considering returning to Australia
Planning to leave Australia? Make sure you've claimed everything you're entitled to.
We invite you to submit a free visa assessment so we can understand your situation and provide tailored advice on your departure strategy.
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Certified by the Migration Agents Registration Authority. Your trusted partner for Australian visa applications.
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