Sophia Kim, an American former swimwear brand owner, is experiencing significant difficulties in accessing nearly $10,000 in superannuation funds accumulated during her time in Australia. More than a year after returning to California in May 2025, Kim has been unable to withdraw her savings from AustralianSuper, describing the process as "absurd" and "ridiculous."
Kim initially moved to Sydney on a working holiday visa in 2021 and subsequently worked for four years in a digital marketing agency. Upon her departure from Australia, she immediately submitted an online application for a Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP). However, she discovered she could only access the funds after her visa had officially expired.
Despite repeated attempts, Kim's efforts to retrieve her superannuation have been unsuccessful. She lodged new applications in February, March, and April 2026, with her most recent attempt in June. Following this June application, she was informed of the standard 28-day processing period. The Australian Tax Office (ATO), in response to her latest application, advised her to submit a new one, a directive she felt sent her "back to square one."
Kim shared her frustration on TikTok, expressing a feeling of being "given the runaround" and suspecting intentional delays in the return of her funds. "It's been over a year now since I have been out of the country," she stated. "It's just getting ridiculous at this point."
Social media users have shown support for Kim and criticized the ATO. In response to inquiries about delayed payments, an ATO spokesman encouraged applicants to provide comprehensive details, noting that complex or incomplete applications can extend processing times. Challenges in confirming the identity of overseas applicants or coordinating across different time zones can also contribute to delays.
Daily Mail has reached out to the ATO and AustralianSuper for comment on the matter. Kim's experience highlights potential challenges for former temporary residents seeking to access their Australian superannuation funds after their departure.