Super for under 18s

What is super?

Super, short for ‘superannuation’, is a system that helps you save money throughout your working life to fund your retirement. If you're eligible for super, your employer needs to pay at least 12% of your qualifying earnings into your super account. This is called the Superannuation Guarantee (SG). Qualifying earnings include your pay for ordinary hours of work.

SG is paid on top of your wages or salary and isn’t taken out of your pay. Your super is generally invested, which gives it the potential to grow over time.

Learn more about the Superannuation Guarantee

Why super is important

Retirement might feel a long way off, but the super you earn now can make a big difference later. Money in your super account is generally invested and may grow over time thanks to the power of compounding. Starting early can give your super balance more time to benefit from investment returns, although returns aren’t guaranteed and can go up or down.

Learn more about Compounding

Super if you’re under 15

If you’re under 15 years of age, you can apply to join a superannuation fund, but you’ll need to get a parent or guardian to help complete some forms.

If you choose to join AustralianSuper:

1. Go to Product Disclosure Statements
2. Choose which plan you want to join and select ‘Download’ to open the product disclosure statement, which has the application form attached.
3. A parent or guardian can complete the application details towards the bottom of the Join AustralianSuper form.
4. A parent or guardian will also need to complete an Authority to access a minor member's account. They’ll also need to provide some proof of identity documents – details are in the form.
5. Scan all documents and forms and send them to us via Upload a document or print them out and post them to AustralianSuper, GPO Box 1901, MELBOURNE VIC 3001.

Once your account is open, we’ll send you your member number and information about your new account. You can then set up your account online to check your balance, update your details and keep track of contributions.

Super if you have more than one job

If you're under 18 and have more than one job, you might not get super, even if you work more than 30 hours a week in total. That’s because your employer generally only needs to pay super if you work more than 30 hours a week for them.

For example, if you work 15 hours a week at one job and 20 hours a week at another, you generally wouldn't be entitled to super from either employer, even though you're working 35 hours a week in total.

If you receive super from more than one employer, the contributions can be paid into the same super account. If you have more than one super account, you may also be able to combine them into one account. Combining your super can help reduce fees and costs and make it easier to keep track of your balance¹.

Consolidate your super

How to get super paid into your account

If you’re eligible for super, you’ll need a super account for your employer to pay it into.

Already have an account?

Tell your employer which super fund you want them to pay into.

If you’re with AustralianSuper, you can share your details through your account or the app or use the Pay my super to Australian super form. You can also use the Superannuation standard choice form, and your employer may also ask for a Letter of Compliance.

Don’t have an account?

You can choose a super fund, apply to join and an account will be set up for you.

What if you don’t choose a super fund?

If you don’t choose a super fund, your employer generally needs to check if you have a stapled super fund. This is an existing super account that’s linked to you and follows you when you change jobs.

What happens if you’re not getting paid super

There are a few steps to take if you're under 18 and entitled to super but haven't received it. Keep in mind that under Payday Super laws, from 1 July 2026 employers need to pay super at the same time as salary and wages.

Double-check your account: Check your super statement or log in to your super account to see if contributions are being made.

Check your eligibility: Most Australians are eligible for super, but you may not be if you’re:

• under the age of 18, and working less than 30 hours in a week
• self-employed as a sole trader, in most cases you don’t have to pay yourself super.

Find out more at ato.gov.au

Ask your employer: Confirm with your employer if they’re paying your super, how much they are paying, and what account it’s going to.

Know your rights: Find out which award or agreement covers your job and check for any additional terms about your super.

Calculate your super: Use the ATO Estimate my quarterly super calculator to see how much super your employer should be paying for you.

Take action: If your super has been paid incorrectly, inform your employer. Learn more at the ATO’s page Report unpaid super contributions from my employer.