DASP Superannuation Refund Guide
Step-by-step guide for working holiday makers to claim Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP) after leaving Australia.
What is DASP?
DASP (Departing Australia Superannuation Payment) lets temporary visa holders (WHV 417/462, Student 500, etc.) claim back super accumulated in Australia after departure. You must be classified as a non-resident for tax purposes.
- Available to temporary visa holders after departure
- Apply via ATO online services
- 35% withholding (WHV standard rate) is deducted from refund
- Possible exchange gain when you send it home, and a filing obligation in your home country
Eligibility
- Held an Australian temporary visa (WHV 417/462, Student 500, partial 482 TSS)
- Visa expired or cancelled
- Departed from Australia
- Has accumulated super in a fund (most WHV makers qualify)
Australian permanent residents/citizens are not eligible. Cases that transitioned from WHV to PR are also excluded.
When to Apply — within 6 Months
If not claimed within 6 months of departure, the super fund undergoes ATO compulsory transfer. Refund is still possible afterwards but the procedure becomes more complex. Strongly recommend applying immediately after departure.
Within 6 months of leaving Australia — missing this deadline forces ATO direct application path.
Application Procedure (5 steps)
Step 1 — Set up myGov + ATO online services
Link ATO online services to your myGov account. If you already had myGov during your WHV, you can keep using it.
Step 2 — Collect super fund details
Collect the super fund name, ABN, and member number from your employer. If contributions are split across multiple funds, claim each separately.
Step 3 — Verify visa expiry + departure proof
Confirm your visa has expired or been cancelled. Australian departure stamp on passport or ImmiAccount visa cancellation record serves as evidence.
Step 4 — Apply via ATO online "Apply for DASP"
Navigate to "Apply for your DASP" in ATO online services. Submit a separate application form per fund. No government fees apply.
Step 5 — Receive refund (35% tax deducted)
Processing typically takes ~28 days. Refund is paid to your Australian bank account or via international cheque. WHV makers receive the balance after 35% withholding.
Tax + Remittance Best Practice
For working holiday makers (417/462) the DASP refund is paid after 65% withholding in Australia (Superannuation (DASP Tax) Act 2007 s5(3)). If you make an exchange gain sending it home you may have to declare it there, so talk to a tax professional in your country.
Best practice for sending it home
- Wise (formerly TransferWise): mid-market FX rate, low fees, 1-3 days processing
- OFX: rate advantage on larger amounts (AUD 10k+)
- Receiving directly through a bank at home: heavy exchange losses — avoid
- Revolut: ATO account registration may be tricky — verify before departure
Failing to declare an exchange gain when you send the money home soon after the DASP refund risks penalties. Consult a tax professional in your country.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do I get back after working 1 year on WHV?
Average wage AUD 25/hr × 38 hrs/week × 50 weeks = AUD 47,500/year. With 12% super, ~AUD 5,700 accrues. After the 65% working holiday maker DASP tax, you receive about AUD 1,995 (varies).
What happens if I don't apply for DASP?
Six months after departure, the super fund undergoes ATO compulsory transfer. You can still claim later via direct ATO application, but processing time stretches to 6-12 months.
How do I find super from a previous employer where I didn't supply TFN?
Use "Find my super" in ATO online services. Your TFN will auto-match all super funds, including lost super.
How do I handle tax after sending the money home?
The DASP refund is already taxed at source in Australia, but an exchange gain (currency movement) in your home country can be taxable there. For transfers of AUD 10,000 or more, a local tax professional is worth consulting.
DASP vs Australian resident super withdrawal — what's the difference?
DASP: refunded immediately upon temporary visa departure, 35%/65% rate. Resident: locked until age 60 + tax-free withdrawal. WHV makers rarely qualify as residents, so DASP is typically the only option.