What is the Super Guarantee contribution

Superannuation Guarantee (SG) is the official term for compulsory superannuation contributions made by employers on behalf of their employees.

The Superannuation Guarantee rate

The Superannuation Guarantee rate is currently 12% of your agreed base salary. For Super Guarantee purposes, your pre-tax salary includes income such as:

Your regular wage (ordinary time earnings)
Shift allowances
Commissions
Some bonuses

Overtime payments are usually not included.

Super Guarantee eligibility

Generally, you’re entitled to Super Guarantee contributions from an employer if:

You’re 18 years old or over

You’re under 18 years old, and
You work more than 30 hours per week.

The scheme applies to full time, part time and casual employees who are Australian residents or here on a working visa.

Employer requirements

All employers, small or large, who employ Australians on a PAYG basis are required to contribute the equivalent of 12% of an employee’s base salary or "ordinary time earnings" (typically wages or salary). These payments must be made at least once each quarter, based on the schedule below:

Period

Payment due date

1 July – 30 September

28 October

1 October – 31 December

28 January

1 January – 31 March

28 April

1 April – 30 June

28 July

Your super contributions have to be shown on your payslip. You can also log on to your super fund’s website to see them or wait for your annual statement. It’s important you monitor your super contribution payments from your employer as there are circumstances where some employers may not make their contributions as required. If you see this happening, talk to your employer immediately.