The amount paid reflects the available funds in your super account. The balance the ATO have for your account was correct at 30 June 2019, and your account balance may have changed since that date due to:

• contributions added
• tax applied
• fees paid
• any insurance premiums paid; and/or
• market movements.
  

If the balance in any of your super accounts is less than $6,000, you won’t pay more than 3% pa in fees and costs. These fees and costs include administration fees, investment fees, and indirect costs. We’ll assess your balances at the end of the financial year (30 June each year) or when you exit, and if you’ve paid more than 3% pa in fees and costs on any account with a balance of less than $6,000, you’ll be refunded the difference.

For more information about fees, check your Product Disclosure Statement.

If your account has a zero balance, your account will remain open for three months from the date of that payment.  At the end of the period, if neither you or your employer have made any contributions, rollovers or insurance premium payments, we’ll close the account and let you know.

Please refer to the FAQs under Coronavirus & the impact to your insurance in super for the implications of a zero balance on your insurance in super.

Yes, the early access to super rules do not prevent you from applying under existing provisions such as severe financial hardship or compassionate grounds. If you meet the criteria for both, then you can apply to receive both. For further information on eligibility criteria to access super due to severe financial hardship or compassionate grounds, visit Conditions of release.

Other services are also available to help people in financial stress.  

National Debt Helpline

The National Debt Helpline is a not-for-profit service that helps people tackle their debt problems. They’re  not a lender and don’t ‘sell’ anything or make money from you. Their professional financial counsellors offer a free, independent, and confidential service.

If your matter is more complex, they can refer you to your closest face-to-face financial counselling service.

They can also put you in touch with the right service you require, such as legal services, crisis food and accommodation services, and health services.

See National Debt Helpline for more information or call them on 1800 007 007.

Speak to your bank or insurance provider

All banks have hardship programs under which some of your debts may be waived or reduced, or mortgages deferred.

People with insurance policies should also contact their insurance policy and discuss the possibility of deferring insurance premiums.

Renters rights

State and territory governments have placed restrictions on evictions of people who may have fallen behind in their rent payments because of COVID-19.

Terms and details vary by state and territory. For more information see:

• NSW Fair Trading website
• Consumer Affairs Victoria website
• Queensland RTA website
• South Australia Consumer and Business Services website
• Western Australia DMIRS website
• ACT ACAT website
• Northern Territory Consumer Affairs website
• Tasmanian Government website

Your insurance may be impacted. This is because your insurance premiums are paid from your MLC super account, unless your employer pays for the cost of your insurance cover. So, you must have enough super savings to pay for the cover.

It’s important to take a moment and think carefully about whether you want to have insurance as part of your super.

You can find out more about insurance in super here.

And don’t forget, you can change or cancel your insurance at any time, by calling us.

If you are not receiving regular contributions and your account balance can no longer cover the cost of your premiums, your insurance may be switched-off.  Please refer to your insurance guide for more details on when your insurance cover may be switched-off as a result of this, and how to start it up again.

MLC is aware of current scam phone calls targeting Australians. The caller may claim to be from an organisation that can assist you to get early access to your superannuation. The caller may ask for your personal and superannuation details.

If you ever have any concerns as to the legitimacy of a call, hang up and call the company back on a publicly listed number.

If you have received this type of call and have provided information about your superannuation, please contact MLC immediately on 132 652.

If you receive a text message saying your superannuation fund is going to release your super, and you did not request this, contact us.

If you have provided personal or banking details, please also contact your financial institution.

You can also read our article for more information, or visit the Scamwatch website for more information about this scam.