Your retirement plans may depend on when you are eligible to access your super.  If you're like most GESB members, you'll probably be able to access your super when you reach preservation age and retire.

If you have a GESB Super or West State Super account, you're considered 'retired' when you:

• reach preservation age (currently 55 years) and are no longer gainfully employed, or
• over 60 years and resigned from current employment, or
• reach age 65 regardless of employment status.

For members of Gold State Super, 'retired' means you've reached preservation age (currently 55) and no longer work for the WA public sector.

Your super benefit may also be paid out if any of the following occur:

• You become totally and permanently disabled.
• Your super account holds less than $200 and you no longer work for the employer who contributed to the fund for you.
• You receive approval from GESB to release your super on financial hardship or compassionate grounds
• You reach preservation age and commence a Transition to Retirement income stream.
• You're a temporary resident permanently departing Australia.
• You die (in which case your super is paid to your estate)
• You are diagnosed with a terminal illness by certified medical practitioners.