If you’re working in Australia, chances are you’ve become well-acquainted with the superannuation line on your payslip.
But while your wages land in your bank account like clockwork, your super contributions have traditionally taken a more leisurely route, often only being paid into your fund every few months.
That’s all about to change, and it could have a big impact on your retirement savings, your peace of mind, and even the way businesses operate.
So, what’s happening, why does it matter, and what should you do to prepare? Let’s break it down.
What’s changing with superannuation payments?
Currently, employers are only required to pay your superannuation guarantee (SG) contributions into your nominated fund at least four times a year—within 28 days after the end of each quarter. While some employers do pay more frequently, many stick to this minimum.
From 1 July 2026, however, a major reform known as ‘payday super’ will come into effect. Under these new rules, employers will need to pay your super within seven days of each payday, aligning super payments with your regular wage cycle—whether that’s weekly, fortnightly, or monthly.
This change was first announced in the 2023–24 federal budget, with a three-year lead time to allow employers, super funds, and payroll software providers to get their systems ready.
While the legislation is still being finalised, the government is pushing ahead, despite some industry groups calling for further delays.
Why is this change happening?
The move to payday super is designed to address a persistent and costly problem: unpaid or missing super contributions.
According to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), a staggering $5.2 billion in super went unpaid in 2021–22 alone.
The Super Members Council estimates that one in four Australians are missing out on the correct amount of super.
This can happen for a range of reasons—payroll errors, misclassification under awards, or, in some cases, outright wage theft.
When super is only paid quarterly, it’s much harder for employees to notice if something’s gone wrong.
By the time you realise your super hasn’t been paid, your employer might have gone out of business, or it might be too late to recover the missing funds.
How will payday super benefit you?
For employees, the benefits are clear:
Greater transparency: With super paid at the same time as your wages, it’s much easier to check that the right amount is being deposited into your fund. No more waiting months to see if your super has actually been paid.
Faster compounding: The sooner your money hits your super fund, the sooner it starts earning investment returns. Over a working lifetime, those extra weeks and months of compounding can add up to thousands of extra dollars in retirement.
Reduced risk of missing payments: If your employer runs into financial trouble, you’re less likely to miss out on your super if it’s being paid regularly, rather than in large, infrequent chunks.
What about employers and businesses?
While some business groups have expressed concerns about the timeline for implementation, many employers already pay super alongside wages. For those who don’t, the change will mean adjusting payroll systems and cash flow management.
However, there are upsides for businesses too:
Simplified processes: Aligning super payments with payroll can streamline administration and reduce the risk of missing a payment deadline.
Reduced compliance risk: With real-time reporting through the government’s single-touch payroll system, it will be easier for the ATO to match wage and super data, reducing the risk of audits and penalties.
Level playing field: Regular super payments make it harder for unscrupulous employers to gain an unfair advantage by withholding super.
Why the delay—and will it happen on time?
Despite the clear benefits, some in the financial services sector are calling for a further delay—up to two years—citing the need for more time to update systems and ensure compliance.
The draft legislation was only released for consultation in March 2025, and there are still technical and legal details to iron out.
However, the government appears determined to press ahead, arguing that the necessary technology and reporting systems are already in place, thanks to single-touch payroll and electronic payments.
What should you do to prepare?
Check your super regularly: Don’t wait for the new rules—get into the habit of checking your super fund statements and online account to make sure your employer is paying the right amount, on time.
Know your rights: If you suspect your super isn’t being paid correctly, contact your employer first. If you’re not satisfied, you can lodge a complaint with the ATO.
Stay informed: Keep an eye on updates from your super fund, employer, and the government as the new rules are finalised and rolled out.
A step towards a more secure retirement
For Australians, these changes are particularly important. As you approach retirement, every dollar in your super counts, and missing contributions can have a big impact on your final balance.
Payday super is a step towards a fairer, more transparent system that helps protect your hard-earned savings.
Have your say
What do you think about the move to payday super? Have you ever had issues with missing or late super payments? Will this change make a difference to your peace of mind? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!
Also read: Terrifying dive ahead? What this superannuation warning means for you
I think this is a positive, I do know several people who have had superannuation unpaid. If a business fails, superannuation is often one of those items unpaid. By aligning with wage and salary payments it provides protection for the employee / superannuation member.
It is a known cost, as it’s based on wages and as employers have had three years notice it should be a smooth transition.
There are other benefits, as the article touches on, including but not limited too, compounding of returns. Other benefits include dollar cost averaging.
There are possible insurance benefits too. Many superannuation accounts have TPD, Income Protection and Death benefits. There have been cases where superannuation has not been paid and premiums not taken. These are paid from the account. There are sometimes rules related to balances and receipts. Non payment could impact an insurance claim.
Superannuation is complex, not understood by most, but these reforms are better for members/employees.