‘Employer fails to pay super’. For a while there it seemed like we were seeing the same headline every other week.

While the news headlines may have died down, that doesn’t mean the problem has gone away, and many Australians are still out of pocket. So, how can you check if you’re being paid correctly, and what can you do if there’s a problem? Let’s find out.  

Your super, your money 

Let’s start with the basics. In the early '90s the Keating Government made superannuation compulsory. That meant employers had to pay a percentage of your income into a super fund. This money would be invested on your behalf, and you could access it once you retired (or reached your preservation age).  

This is known as the Superannuation Guarantee, and it currently requires that 10.5% of your income is paid towards your super. So, if you earn $1,000, $105 of that will go towards super, and it’s your employer's responsibility to ensure this happens. 

Unfortunately, this doesn’t always happen. Whether due to error, oversight, or just plain fraud, some Australians miss out on their super. 

According to a new report by Industry Super, three million Australians lose an average of $1,700 in super every year. That could mean $60,000 less in super when they retire. 

Am I being paid the correct super amount? 

The easiest way to check if your super contributions are being paid correctly and on time is to log into your super account. 

Regardless of your super provider, you should be able to see when contributions are made, how much they are, and where they come from. Note that different employers may have different superannuation payment cycles, but contributions are legally required every quarter. 

The myGov website is another way to check your contributions, and is especially useful if your super is spread across multiple funds. Not only does it list all your super contributions, you can consolidate them with a single fund via the web portal (which makes keeping up with your super easier, and means you’re not paying unnecessary fees).  

What if there’s an issue with my super payments? 

If you’re not sure how much super you should be receiving, or want to double check that you’re receiving the correct amount, the Government’s Estimate My Super is a great tool. It’s free to use and does exactly what it says on the box. You can cross reference this with your pay slips or online records from your super fund. 

If you believe your super contributions are incorrect, or haven’t been paid, the first thing you should do is ask your employer. As noted above, not all employers pay super at the same time, and delays do occur on occasion.  

If that does not solve the issue, there are several ways to pursue the matter. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) enables you to lodge an enquiry about your super. This will be investigated, and the results reported back to you. Where the employer has failed to pay the correct amount, you will also be informed of any recovery actions the ATO may take.  

Don’t lose out, check your super today  

Super isn’t just a legal requirement, it’s your money. While the vast majority of employers do the right thing, that doesn't mean you can take it for granted. 

The good news is you’re not alone, and there are ways to check that you’re being paid correctly and follow up if there is any issue. 

A great starting point is to log into your account and have a look at your recent employer contributions. A few minutes today could add up in the years to come.