Superannuation for Casual Workers
When super must be paid for casual workers in Australia, how to check your super is being paid correctly, and how to report unpaid superannuation to the ATO.
Last updated: March 2026 · Rate: 12% from 1 July 2025
If you're a casual worker in Australia, there's a good chance your employer is either not paying super or underpaying it — and it may have been happening for years without your knowledge. Since 2022, all casual workers are entitled to superannuation regardless of earnings. There is no longer a minimum earnings threshold. This page explains what you're owed and how to check.
If you're a casual worker in Australia and you've never verified your super contributions — this applies to you.
Real example
Scenario: Casual kitchen hand, earning ~$400/week. Before 2022, fell below the $450/month super threshold — employer never paid super.
Post-2022 reality: Threshold abolished. Super must be paid on all earnings regardless of amount.
What many employers are still doing: Not updating payroll systems. Continuing not to pay super for low-earning casuals.
Missed super per year: $400 × 52 × 12% = ~$2,496
Why it happens: System wasn't updated. Worker doesn't check the fund. Years pass.
Who is entitled to super?
From 1 November 2022, the $450/month threshold was abolished. Now, all employees — including casual workers — are entitled to super contributions regardless of:
- How much they earn
- How many hours they work
- Whether they have another job
- Their age (with limited exceptions)
The rate from 1 July 2025 is 12% of ordinary time earnings.
If you're a casual worker who hasn't verified your super recently, check now.
Not sure if you’re being paid correctly?
Enter your shifts and find out in 2 minutes. Free, instant, based on official Fair Work rates.
Check my pay nowNo sign-up required
How much should you be receiving?
| Weekly earnings | Super owed per week |
|---|---|
| $300/week | $34.50 |
| $400/week | $46.00 |
| $600/week | $69.00 |
| $800/week | $92.00 |
Super is payable quarterly — at minimum by the 28th day after each quarter ends.
⚠️ Common super underpayments for casual workers
$450 threshold not removed from payroll systems
Many small employers haven't updated since 2022. Super is still not being triggered for casuals earning below $450/month.
If your payslip shows no super and you earn less than $450/month, check your fund now.
Not sure if you’re being paid correctly?
Enter your shifts and find out in 2 minutes. Free, instant, based on official Fair Work rates.
Check my pay nowNo sign-up required
Super shown on payslip but not actually paid
The payslip can show contributions without the employer actually remitting them to the fund. Always check your fund balance — not just the payslip.
Wrong rate applied
The current rate is 12%. Employers paying anything less are underpaying your super.
No super fund set up for new casual workers
Some employers don't enrol casuals at all. This is illegal — you're entitled to super from your first eligible payment.
These issues are ongoing and compound every year they're missed.
If any of these sound familiar, check your pay now.
Not sure if you’re being paid correctly?
Enter your shifts and find out in 2 minutes. Free, instant, based on official Fair Work rates.
Check my pay nowNo sign-up required
How to check your super
- Log in to your super fund — most have apps showing incoming contributions
- Check the frequency — contributions should appear at least quarterly
- Check the amount — compare against 12% of your gross ordinary time earnings
- If contributions are missing — contact the ATO on 13 10 20 or report via ato.gov.au
Frequently asked questions
My employer says I'm not entitled to super because I'm casual — is that right?
No — and that claim is wrong. Since November 2022, all employees including casuals are entitled to super. If you've been told this, there's a strong chance your super hasn't been paid.
I have multiple casual jobs — do I get super from each employer?
Yes. Each employer calculates and pays super independently on your earnings with them.
My employer is paying at 10% — is that still correct?
No. The current superannuation rate is 12%. If your employer is paying anything less, they are underpaying your super.
How far back can I claim unpaid super?
The ATO can pursue unpaid super going back 5 years in most cases. Act sooner rather than later.
Find your award
These rules apply across all modern awards — but the specific rates, penalty multipliers, and allowances vary by industry. If you're ready to check your actual pay:
- Hospitality (hotels, bars, cafés, clubs) → Hospitality Award pay rates
- Fast food and takeaway → Fast Food Award pay rates
- Restaurants and cafés → Restaurant Award pay rates
- Retail (shops, supermarkets) → Retail Award pay rates
- Admin and clerical → Clerks Award pay rates
- Cleaning → Cleaning Award pay rates
Not sure which applies to you? Browse all awards
Don't guess — your retirement savings are at stake.
Enter your shifts to check your pay — and verify your super separately through your fund or the ATO.
Not sure if you’re being paid correctly?
Enter your shifts and find out in 2 minutes. Free, instant, based on official Fair Work rates.
Check my pay nowNo sign-up required
General information only — not legal advice. For super queries, contact the ATO on 13 10 20. Verify at fairwork.gov.au.
Not sure if you’re being paid correctly?
Enter your shifts and find out in 2 minutes. Free, instant, based on official Fair Work rates.
Check my pay nowNo sign-up required