Are casual and part-time workers entitled to superannuation in Australia?

What is the current earnings threshold for super?

There is no longer a monthly earnings threshold:

• Before July 2022: super only payable if you earned $450+ in a calendar month
• From July 2022: super payable on all wages, from the first dollar
• Applies to all employees aged 18 or over
• Applies to under-18s who work more than 30 hours per week

This change benefited working holiday makers in particular, who often work irregular hours and might not have hit $450 in slow weeks.

Does this apply to casual workers?

Yes, casual workers receive super just like permanent employees:

• One shift a week → super paid on those earnings
• Five shifts a week → super paid on those earnings
• Variable hours week to week → super paid on whatever you earned

Being casual does not exempt your employer from paying super. The hourly rate you receive (with 25% casual loading) is separate from the super obligation.

What about part-time workers?

Same rules apply:

• Working 20 hours per week: 12% super paid on your wages
• Working 30 hours per week: 12% super paid on your wages
• Mix of regular and overtime: 12% on the ordinary time portion

The percentage of super is the same regardless of whether you are part-time, full-time, or casual. Only the absolute dollar amount differs (because your wages differ).

How can you check your employer is paying super?

Several ways:

• Check your payslip (super should appear as a line item, separate from wages)
• Log into your super fund and view contribution history
• Track contributions against the quarterly payment deadlines (28 October, 28 January, 28 April, 28 July)

If contributions are missing or below 12% of your wages, get in touch with our team. We can investigate and pursue recovery through the Superannuation Guarantee Charge (SGC) process.

Can you claim your super back when you leave Australia?

Yes. Through the Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP) process:

• Available after your visa expires and you have left Australia
• We handle the application on your behalf
• 65% withholding tax applies to the taxable component
• Net amount paid to your nominated bank account

Even small super balances from short stints of casual work are worth claiming. We aggregate balances from multiple funds in one DASP package. See our article on how to apply for DASP.

What records help track your super?

Keep:

• Every payslip showing the super line item
• Quarterly super fund statements
• Notes of your start and end dates with each employer
• Employer ABNs (for any recovery claims)

When we manage your super and lodge your DASP claim, complete records make the process faster and more accurate.