First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSS)

FEDERAL SUPPORT

At a glance: FHSS lets eligible buyers use eligible voluntary super contributions plus ATO-calculated associated earnings toward a first home: up to $15,000 of eligible voluntary contributions per financial year, and up to $50,000 across all years.

What is available now

Under the First Home Super Saver Scheme, the maximum releasable amount is 100% of eligible non-concessional (after-tax) voluntary contributions plus 85% of eligible concessional (pre-tax/salary-sacrifice) voluntary contributions, plus associated earnings calculated by the ATO.

Important distinction

Your normal compulsory employer super guarantee contributions are not simply withdrawable under FHSS. Only eligible voluntary contributions (and their associated earnings) qualify.

Eligibility and process

Make eligible voluntary contributions.
Stay within the FHSS caps above and your ordinary super contribution caps.
Request an FHSS determination from the ATO before ownership of the real property transfers to you.
Request release when ready.
Allow processing time before settlement/deposit deadlines. Do not assume funds arrive instantly.
Enter an eligible purchase or building arrangement and meet the ATO’s notification and occupancy rules.

Occupancy

You must genuinely intend to occupy the property, and generally live in it for at least 6 of the first 12 months when it is practical to do so.

Worked example

Two years of $15,000 salary-sacrifice contributions = $30,000 in eligible voluntary contributions.

Eligible concessional contributions	$30,000
Releasable component (85%)	$25,500
Plus ATO-calculated associated earnings	Varies

How this can work with other federal support

FHSS can potentially combine with the 5% Deposit Scheme if you independently meet both programs’ eligibility rules and the lender’s requirements.

What to confirm before signing

your actual eligible voluntary contribution total with the ATO, not an estimate
processing timeframes against your contract/settlement dates, and request your determination and release well ahead of time
that any FHSS funds you are relying on are actually released before you need them for deposit or settlement