Ask Paul: My boss hasn't paid my super since last year
By Paul Clitheroe
Dear Paul,
How often does my employer need to pay my superannuation? I am on a temporary visa and my work has not paid my superannuation since early last year.
I don't want to cause trouble for anyone, but my Australian friends say my boss really should be paying my superannuation. Thank you. - Binh
Yow, this is not good, Binh. In fact, it is totally outrageous.
Super must be paid every three months into the employee's nominated account. From 2026 this will be every payday.
There is absolutely no excuse your employer can use not to pay your super.
I appreciate that you are on a temporary visa, but it concerns me your employer may be using this as an opportunity to not pay your super. Your employer is liable to pay a superannuation charge of the shortfall amount, plus interest of 10% and an administration fee.
From here you can take a couple of steps.
A lot depends on your relationship with your employer. You could raise this with them.
A formal step you can take is to use the ATO online tool to inform them your employer is not meeting their super guarantee obligations. The ATO will use this information to investigate your employer.
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