For most people, your employer pays money – ‘contributions’ – into a super account for you. This is called the ‘super guarantee’. They pay these contributions on top of your salary and wages. There are laws about how much super your employer must pay.
Generally, your employer must pay super for you if you are:
- 18 years old or over and are paid $450 or more (before tax) in a calendar month.
- under 18 years old, being paid $450 or more (before tax) in a calendar month and work more than 30 hours in a week.
This applies whether you work casual, part-time or full-time hours, and if you are a temporary resident. You may also be eligible if you are a contractor who is paid primarily for labour, even if you have an Australian business number (ABN).
From July 1st, 2021, the General super guaranteed percentage minimum will change from 9.5% to 10%. This is the first time we have seen the SG percentage increase since 2015, which has been growing subtly yet steadily since 2002.
Most people can choose the super fund they want their contributions paid into.
All employers have a nominated super fund, or ‘default fund’, where they make super guarantee payments for their employees who have not selected a preferred fund.
Making sure your super fund has your Tax File Number (TFN) will make it easier to keep track of your super, move it between accounts, and receive super payments from your employer or the government.
You can check whether your fund has your TFN by looking at the statements they send you.
Have other questions about Super? Contact the Walker Hill team today.
