Superannuation Blog Articles for Working Holiday Makers
Superannuation (super) is Australia's compulsory retirement savings system. Your employer pays 12% of your wages into a super fund on top of your pay (effective 1 July 2025). When you leave Australia at the end of your working holiday, you can withdraw your super through the Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP) process. These articles cover how super works, how to track it, and how to claim it.
Claim your super →All Super articles (12)
What is superannuation and are working holiday makers eligible?
Superannuation is Australia's compulsory retirement savings system. Working holiday makers are eligible and can claim it back when they leave.
Read more →How much super should your employer be paying you?
From 1 July 2024, employers must contribute 11.5% of your earnings to your super fund. Here is how to check you are getting what you are owed.
Read more →What is DASP and how does the super withdrawal process work?
DASP stands for Departing Australia Superannuation Payment. It is the official process for claiming your super back after you leave Australia.
Read more →How to apply for your superannuation back after leaving Australia
A step-by-step walkthrough of the DASP application process, from finding your super funds to receiving the payment in your account.
Read more →How long does a DASP application take to process?
Most DASP applications are processed within 28 days. Here is what affects the timeline and what to do if yours is taking longer.
Read more →What tax is taken from your super when you withdraw it as a backpacker?
A 65% withholding tax applies to DASP payments for working holiday makers. Here is how it works and what it means for your payout.
Read more →What happens to your super if you never claim it?
Unclaimed superannuation does not disappear, but it does transfer to the ATO. Here is what happens and how to claim it back.
Read more →Can you withdraw your super while still in Australia?
Generally, you cannot access your super while on a working holiday visa in Australia. Here is why, and what your options are.
Read more →How to find lost or unclaimed superannuation in Australia
Super can end up in multiple funds or with the ATO without you realising it. Here is how to track down every dollar.
Read more →What is a superannuation fund and how do you choose one?
When you start a job in Australia, you can nominate where your super goes. Here is what a super fund is and how to choose one as a working holiday maker.
Read more →Are casual and part-time workers entitled to superannuation in Australia?
Yes. Casual and part-time workers are entitled to superannuation in Australia regardless of how many hours they work, as long as they meet the earnings threshold.
Read more →How to check your superannuation balance as a working holiday maker
Knowing how much super you have accumulated is important - especially before you leave Australia. Here is how to track your balance and make sure your employer is paying correctly.
Read more →Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Do working holiday makers get superannuation in Australia?+
Yes. Every working holiday maker is entitled to superannuation contributions from their employer. The current rate is 12% of your ordinary time earnings (effective 1 July 2025), paid on top of your wages directly into a super fund.
How do working holiday makers claim their super when leaving Australia?+
You claim your super through the Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP) process, available once your visa has expired or been cancelled and you have left the country. The payment is taxed at 65% for working holiday makers.
How much tax is taken from super withdrawals?+
The DASP tax rate for working holiday makers is 65% of the taxable component of your super balance. This is higher than the 35% rate that applied before 2017.
How do you find lost or unclaimed super?+
You can find lost super by linking your TFN to your account through our service, contacting the Australian Taxation Office, or working with a registered tax agent who can search across all funds.