1) What is my appointment for?
    The ATO allows individuals to withdraw their superannuation early on compassionate grounds for certain medical treatments
    including:
     – IVF and fertility treatments (including egg harvesting)
     – Treatment for acute or chronic pain
     – Treatment for acute or chronic mental illness.
    A psychiatrist must assess your condition and provide a detailed report supporting your application to qualify.

2) Who needs to attend the appointment?
    The appointment and referral need to be for the person having the fertility treatment or procedure. We only need to see males if they
    require a medical procedure (e.g. TSA/ TESE) or are using a surrogate in a same sex relationship. If a reciprocal arrangement is
    planned, two appointments are required.

3) Do I need to complete my ATO forms before the appointment?
    No – you can have your first CRS form completed by your GP or Fertility specialist before or after seeing Dr Blenkin.

4) Which medical reports do I need?
    The reports supporting your application must be:
    – Completed no more than six months before you submit your application.
    – Signed, dated and submitted with your application.
    – Completed by two doctors involved in your care, at least one of whom must be a psychiatrist (the other can be your GP or fertility
       specialist) and submitted with the documents above.

5) How do the ATO decide to approve or deny my application?
    The ATO can only approve the application if you:
    – Meet the eligibility requirements of the compassionate grounds you’re applying for.
    – Cannot afford to pay the expenses without accessing your super e.g. by obtaining a loan or using your savings.
    – Are or have been a citizen or permanent resident of Australia or New Zealand.
    – Provide all required supporting evidence and invoices/ quotes.

6) How much can I withdraw, and will I be taxed?
    The amount of superannuation you can withdraw is limited to what you reasonably need. It is paid and taxed as a normal lump sum,
    this is generally at a rate of 32%, but it can differ depending on your circumstances. Your super fund will automatically deduct the tax
    from your super account, in addition to the approved release amount – the amount you receive from the release will not be affected.

7) What happens if the ATO decline my application?
    The ATO can decline an application for several reasons. This is often a minor issue (e.g. failing to date your paperwork, or a word or
    two that needs altering).
    – The ATO will send you a letter advising why your application was declined.
    – If you do not understand the decision, you can contact the ATO for further explanation.
    – Please also contact Dr Blenkin after calling the ATO if the paperwork needs to be adjusted to see if she can help you resolve this.
    – The ATO can review their decision if disputed within 14 days.

8) How long does the process take?
    Once both CRS forms are completed, submitting your application through the ATO website can take 2-4 weeks. When your approval
    letter arrives, you will then forward it to your superannuation fund. It is a good idea to check directly with your fund about how long it
    will take to release the funds.

9) Why do I need to see you if I already have a psychologist at my IVF clinic?
    Dr Blenkin is a specialist medical doctor (psychiatrist). The ATO requires a medical specialist (not a psychologist) to complete the CRS
    form, which is why it is necessary to see her.

10) What do I do after my appointment with Dr Blenkin?
    Following your appointment, you, your GP and fertility specialist (if you wish) will be sent copies of the relevant information, including
    the partially completed Compassionate Release of Superannuation (CRS) form and the GP letter.
    – The CRS form requires completion by the patient, including your details on page 1, your signature and date (same date as your
       appointment with Dr Blenkin) at the top of page 2, and page 3 can be left blank (unless you are claiming travel expenses).

11) How do I submit my application to the ATO?
    Via MyGov, the final stage of the process is to submit:
    – The attached CRS form by Dr Blenkin
    – Your GP or Fertility Specialists’ CRS form
    – The quote for your IVF treatment
    – The details of the superannuation fund you are accessing
Please note you do NOT need to submit the GP letter to the ATO, this is just for your records.