Claiming Australian Super from the UK

1. Banking Options for UK Travelers: Saving on FX Fees

When requesting your payout from the ATO or your Australian super fund, you have three options to convert your AUD refund into GBP:

• Option A: Direct Credit to AU Account + Wise/Revolut (Best Rate): Leave your Australian bank account open. Have your super fund transfer AUD directly via Australian EFT (free). Then use Wise or Revolut to send the funds to your UK bank account (Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds, Monzo) at mid-market rates.
• Option B: International SWIFT Transfer to UK Bank: Input your UK Sort Code, Account Number, and IBAN/SWIFT code into the ATO portal. Your fund wires foreign exchange directly, though UK high street banks may charge £10–£25 receiving fees.
• Option C: AUD Cheque (Avoid): Requesting a paper cheque mailed to a UK address results in 4–6 week postal delays and heavy UK bank processing fees to clear foreign cheques.

2. Do You Need to Declare DASP to HMRC?

Because the Australian Taxation Office already withheld final statutory tax (65%) at source prior to releasing the funds, DASP payouts represent a capital withdrawal of foreign retirement funds after leaving Australian tax jurisdiction.

Generally, foreign capital lump sum withdrawals of this nature do not trigger UK income tax liabilities. However, UK residents returning permanently should retain their DASP Payment Summary issued by the ATO as proof of foreign tax paid.

3. Step-by-Step UK Claim Checklist

1. Confirm you have physically departed Australia and landed back in the UK.
2. Ensure your 417 visa has ceased or expired (or cancel it via ImmiAccount).
3. Access the free ATO DASP System.
4. Provide your UK passport number, TFN, and preferred bank payment option.
5. Receive your payment in 28 days.