The way super payments will be made is changing, with more frequent contributions starting from 1 July.
Payday Super is a significant reform to the super system and will change how employers meet their superannuation guarantee (SG) obligations.
From 1 July 2026, employers will be required to pay SG contributions at the same time as salaries and wages, rather than quarterly.
Understanding the new rules
Under the current rule, employers must ensure super is paid by the 28th day after the end of each quarter. The introduction of Payday Super changes this by aligning super payments with payroll cycles. For most employers, this means paying super weekly, fortnightly or monthly, depending on how often employees are paid.
Another key change under Payday Super is that SG contributions will need to be received by an employee’s super fund within 7 business days of payday. For new employees, businesses may have up to 20 business days to make their first SG contribution, allowing time for onboarding and fund setup.
As with the current system, it’s important for employers and their payroll teams to understand any implications of late or missed payments. Businesses may be liable for the superannuation guarantee charge (SGC) if payment deadlines are missed, which includes the unpaid SG amount, daily interest and administrative penalties. Under Payday Super, these obligations apply more often, and with less opportunity to correct mistakes, making late or missed payments more costly. AustralianSuper has information for employers to get across the changes.
Get ready now
With Payday Super starting on 1 July 2026, businesses can take steps now to prepare for the change. One practical way to get ready is to consider moving super payments to align with your payroll cycle ahead of the deadline.
Paying super at the same time as wages can help your business adjust systems and processes early, reduce the build up of super liabilities, and ensure contributions are received before the end of the financial year. Reviewing payroll settings, clearing house arrangements and cash flow planning now can help make the transition smoother.
AustralianSuper has created some resources to help support businesses get ready, including a Payday Super factsheet and employer checklist.
For more information, visit the AustralianSuper website.
Disclaimer
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Any general advice provided in this article is provided under the AFSL held by AustralianSuper; it does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Before making a decision, consider if the information is right for you and refer to the relevant Product Disclosure Statement, available at australiansuper.com/pds or by calling 1300 300 273.
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