Accessing superannuation for addiction treatment

Superannuation funding for addiction recovery

If you or a loved one needs urgent addiction treatment but cannot afford the costs upfront, you may be eligible to access your superannuation on compassionate grounds. This option allows you to fund your recovery without unnecessary delays, ensuring you receive the care you need when you need it most.

Take a self-assessment or speak to someone now, with no pressure to commit.

Three older woman, in the foreground, are in a group therapy session for addiction rehab. Accessing your superannuation to pay for rehab can help you get the care you need and get you on the path to recovery.

Immediate access to treatment

No need for upfront payment

Government-approved funding option

Covers detox, rehab, and aftercare

A group therapy session at our residential drug and alcohol rehab centre. Accessing your super for rehab can make rehab far more accessible and significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs.
How superannuation funding works

Using your superannuation to pay for treatment

Superannuation funding is a government-regulated option that allows individuals to withdraw part of their superannuation early if they can demonstrate that addiction treatment is necessary for their health and well-being. One of the more popular funding options with our clients, early super access makes immediate access to our detox and sobriety programs far more accessible.

The application process involves obtaining medical certification from a registered doctor confirming that rehabilitation is an essential medical treatment. Once approved, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) releases the funds directly to the treatment provider, ensuring that the costs of detox, inpatient rehabilitation, and relapse prevention are covered.

We’ll call it when it suits you, with no pressure to commit

Why consider this option?

The benefits of superannuation funding

Early access to superannuation can remove cost barriers to addiction treatment and recovery. This funding pathway may cover detox, rehab, and aftercare — helping you begin treatment without loans, delays, or debt. Our superannuation partners can help you access your super by applying for it under compassionate grounds.

Unsure where to start? Take a self-assessment or book a time to chat – both are 100% confidential.

Why superannuation funding is a smart choice

Superannuation funding is a regulated and structured pathway that provides access to addiction treatment without waiting periods or loan obligations.

  • Provides financial relief by covering treatment costs.
  • Allows immediate access to rehabilitation services.
  • No requirement to take out loans or accumulate debt.
  • Covers detox, inpatient rehab, and aftercare programs.
  • Funds are released directly to the treatment provider.
  • Approved by the Australian Taxation Office under compassionate grounds.
  • It's your money 

Who is eligible for superannuation funding?

To access superannuation for addiction treatment, you must meet specific criteria set by the ATO and provide supporting medical documentation.

  • A registered doctor must certify that rehabilitation is necessary.
  • You must demonstrate that you cannot afford treatment upfront.
  • The funds must be used directly for medical treatment costs.
We work with leading health insurers

Private health insurance we accept

A trusted way to make private rehab possible

Use your superannuation to access the care you need

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50% of enquiries come from people without private health cover

More than half of prospective clients don’t have insurance, but that doesn’t mean treatment is out of reach.

Superannuation is one of the most commonly used funding solutions. If you’re eligible, we’ll help you access your super quickly, with guidance and documentation tailored to your situation.

Take a self-assessment or speak to someone now, with no pressure to commit.

Understanding treatment costs

How much does addiction treatment cost?

Super can be used for structured detox or inpatient rehab, including accommodation and clinical support. Your rehab costs depend on your chosen program and facility. We’ll guide you through the application process and provide a tailored cost estimate.

A middle-aged couple are speaking to an advisor about how to access their super early to pay for rehab. Our payment plans can make rehab far more accessible for you or your loved ones.

Get started with superannuation funding

Find out if you’re eligible to access your superannuation for addiction treatment. Contact us to discuss your options and take the first step towards recovery.

Take a free online assessment

Take a quick, private quiz to see if rehab could help and explore safe support options.

Book a free chat

 Schedule a confidential call with a specialist at a time that suits you.

Call us now

 Speak to someone immediately for guidance and support.

Real recovery stories

Client experiences and testimonials

Many individuals have successfully used their superannuation to access our holistic treatment to achieve lasting sobriety. Read real stories from those who have taken the first step towards recovery with The Hader Clinic.

Recognised expertise

Our accreditations

The Hader Clinic has been a fully accredited addiction treatment provider since 1997. We comply with government health standards and are trusted by leading healthcare organisations to provide effective and compassionate care.

Where treatment is available

Our facilities and locations

Using superannuation to access treatment gives you flexibility across both of our locations: hospital-based care at our Geelong facility and residential rehab at Essendon. Whether you need urgent medical detox or a longer-term recovery program, your super can help you access the right setting without financial delay.

Inpatient Rehabilitation Program and Transitional Housing program.

Essendon
150-152 Cooper St, Essendon VIC 3040

Hospital Rehabilitation Centre for 28-Day Withdrawal & Detox Program.

Geelong
6-8 Townsend Road,St Albans Park VIC 3219
Book an assessment

Start your recovery journey

Our team is here to help you explore superannuation funding and begin treatment as soon as possible.

Speak to someone who understands

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Frequently asked questions

Can I use superannuation to pay for treatment at both Hader Clinic locations?

Yes — superannuation funding is accepted at both our Geelong and Essendon facilities. You can use it to pay for detox, inpatient rehabilitation, or residential treatment, depending on the program you choose. Our team will help ensure your funding is correctly applied to your selected location and treatment plan.

What documents do I need to apply for superannuation funding?

To access your super for treatment, you'll need:

  • Two medical certificates — one from your regular GP and one from a specialist (e.g. psychiatrist or addiction specialist)
  • A treatment cost summary or invoice from The Hader Clinic
  • Your super fund details and an application reference from the ATO

We’ll support you through each step, including collecting and preparing the documents needed for approval.

Can I use superannuation to pay for part of my treatment?

Yes. If your superannuation balance doesn’t cover the full cost of treatment, you can use it to fund part of your stay. We can then help you explore other options — such as payment plans — to cover the remaining cost and ensure you can still access the care you need.

How do I apply for superannuation funding?

Applying for early release of your superannuation for addiction treatment involves several steps. First, you will need a supporting letter from a registered medical professional stating that rehabilitation is essential for your health and well-being. This letter, along with an application, is submitted to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) under compassionate grounds. Once approved, the funds are released directly to The Hader Clinic to cover your treatment. Our team is available to guide you through this process, ensuring your application meets all necessary requirements.

How long does the application process take?

The approval process for accessing superannuation funds varies depending on the ATO’s processing times and the completeness of your application. On average, it takes two to four weeks for approval. To avoid delays, we recommend ensuring all documentation is accurate and submitted promptly. Our team can assist in preparing your application to help streamline the process.

Can I access my superannuation for a loved one’s treatment?

Yes, in many cases, you can apply to access your superannuation to fund treatment for an immediate family member, such as a spouse, child, or dependent. The process is similar to applying for yourself and requires medical documentation supporting the need for treatment. If you are unsure whether you are eligible, our team can help assess your options and guide you through the necessary steps.

Will I have to pay tax on the funds I withdraw?

Superannuation withdrawals under compassionate grounds may be subject to taxation, depending on your super fund’s policies and your age. Typically, withdrawals are taxed at a concessional rate, but it’s best to check with your super fund or a financial professional to understand any potential tax obligations before applying.

What if my application is declined?

If your application is not approved, there are still other pathways to fund your treatment. We can explore alternative funding options, including payment plans, financial assistance programs, or private health insurance coverage if applicable. Our goal is to ensure that finances do not become a barrier to receiving the help you need.