Are you a part-time or casual worker? If so, do you know what you’re entitled to when it comes to super contributions? Super is an important part of your financial plan, even if you work part-time or casually. Find out all you need to know so you can make the most of your super savings.

Super for part-time and casual employees

Under superannuation guarantee legislation, all employers must pay a minimum of 12% super for all eligible staff, whether they’re full-time, part-time or casual. This legislation ensures that working Australians are guaranteed to have some level of retirement savings. This applies to ordinary time earnings (OTE), which include basic wages, shift loadings for work outside regular business hours, and general allowances and bonuses.

Overtime hours, expense allowances, and any reimbursements aren’t included in an employer’s superannuation obligations. If an employer can’t clearly distinguish between your regular and overtime hours, they must pay super on all hours worked.

Superannuation guarantee contributions

If you’re 18 years or older, you’re entitled to the superannuation guarantee, no matter how much you earn or if you’re a casual worker.

If you’re under 18 years old, you must work more than 30 hours per week before your employer is obligated to pay you super guarantee contributions.

There are some circumstances in which an employer isn’t obligated to pay super contributions, including if you are:

• A non-Australian resident paid for work done outside Australia.
• An Australian resident who is paid by a foreign employer for work done outside Australia.
• Working in Australia temporarily for a foreign employer and are covered by a bilateral social security agreement.
• If you’re working part-time or casual and you’re unsure if you’re eligible for super payments, you can use this super guarantee eligibility tool from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) to find out.

Checking if your employer has paid your super contributions

It’s easy to find out whether your employer is paying your superannuation contributions.

• Check your pay slip – this should show how much has been paid to your super account and when it was deposited.
• Contact your super fund – check your super account balance and transaction history by logging into your account online or calling your super fund.

Multiple superannuation funds

It’s common for part-time and casual workers to have multiple super funds, but it means paying fees for every account held. It’s a good idea to consolidate your super balance so you can avoid paying fees on accounts you no longer use. If you’ve changed your employer, address or personal details, you may have some lost or unclaimed super. Learn more about finding your super.

Super for foreign casual employees

Even if you’re a temporary resident, backpacker, or working holiday maker, you are still eligible for the super guarantee if you’re aged 18 years or older. These rules also apply to casual or part-time employees, including family members. If they’re paid for their work, they’re legally entitled to super contributions. Find out more about unpaid super contributions.

Find out more about your super

The best way to ensure you have accurate information is to keep improving your financial literacy. NGS Super is a leading fund for education and community-based professionals – but we are open to everyone. You can access a range of resources, including articles, webinars and social media, that can help you build your super knowledge.

You can book a free chat with an NGS Super Specialist. NGS Super Specialists can answer your questions about superannuation and clear up any confusion you may have.

Book your complimentary chat with a Super Specialist.

This is general information only and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this information, or making an investment decision, consider whether it is appropriate to you and read our Product Disclosure Statements and Target Market Determinations. You should also consider obtaining financial, taxation and/or legal advice tailored to your personal circumstances before making a decision. This information has been issued by NGS Super Pty Ltd ABN 46 003 491 487 AFSL 233 154 as trustee of NGS Super ABN 73 549 180 515.