What is super?
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Superannu... What? You've heard the term, you've seen it on your payslips, but what does superannuation actually mean?
Super, or superannuation, is money set aside while you're working that you can access later on when you retire so you can enjoy life when you stop working.
So how does it work?
When you have a job, your employer pays your salary and puts some of that money 12% or more into a super account where it is invested for you until you retire.
These investments are managed by expert teams who invest your super in a range of assets and stocks to deliver the best possible long-term returns.
You can choose which super funds you want your money going into. This choice could make a big difference to how much super you end up with, so it's important to compare super funds.
When comparing funds, you should consider each super fund's long-term investment performance and fees to ensure it can deliver the most for your future.
It's also a good idea to consider having one super account so you're not paying multiple fees. You can consolidate your super if you have multiple accounts and remember to take it with you when you change jobs.
Most funds provide insurance cover along with your super account. This will offer a basic level of protection in the event of injury, illness, or death. It can also help protect you and your loved ones financially.
The idea of retirement might seem a long way off, but there are a few things you can do now to ensure your future is taken care of.
One, make sure your super fund has your Tax File Number, or TFN, so you don't pay more tax than you need to.
Two, tell your employer which fund you want your super paid to.
Three, keep your details up to date so your super fund can come contact you with important information about your account.
Being in control of your super is super important. That's why AustralianSuper offers access to expert advice, education, and resources when and where you need it, online, face-to-face, or over the phone.
Find out more about how super works with AustralianSuper.
Visit australiansuper.com.
Choosing your super fund
Choosing your super fund can make a big difference in how much you end up with in retirement.
Key things to consider when selecting your super fund:
- Investment performance: Every fund publishes their annual investment results, usually available on their website. Look for a fund with a history of strong returns over the long term1.
- Fees and administrative costs: Super funds charge fees to cover the cost of managing your super and investments. It pays to compare the options and understand where you might get the best value. You can compare fees between up to 3 funds using the free AppleCheck comparison tool provided by external research firm Chant West.
- Insurance and other services: Consider if you want access to insurance through your super. Some funds also offer financial advice, education and tools to support you through your working life and retirement.
Your employer makes contributions to your super account
If you’re eligible2, your employer will make mandatory contributions to your super account. This contribution is called the Super Guarantee (SG) and is 12% of your before-tax income, as at 1 July 2025.
You can also make voluntary contributions3. If your employer allows it, you can make before-tax contributions known as salary sacrificing4.
How often is super paid into your account?
Your employer pays super on or before the quarterly super due dates set by the ATO.
They are required to make contributions at least four times a year but can choose to make payments more frequently, such as fortnightly or monthly. The payment due dates are:
| Quarter | Period | Payment due date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 July – 30 September | 28 October |
| 2 | 1 October – 31 December | 28 January |
| 3 | 1 January – 31 March | 28 April |
| 4 | 1 April – 30 June | 28 July |
What happens if you’re not getting super from your employer?
- Check your eligibility: Most Australians are eligible for superannuation, but if you’re:
- under the age of 18, you're only eligible for SG contributions if you work more than 30 hours in a week; or
- self-employed as a sole trader, you don’t have to pay yourself the super guarantee.
You might not be eligible for employer contributions. Find out more at ato.gov.au - 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 super calculator to see how much super your employer should be paying for you.
- Ask your employer: Confirm with your employer if they are paying your super, how much they are paying, and where it’s going.
- Take action: If your super has been paid incorrectly, inform your employer. You can also use the ATO’s Report your employer online tool at ato.gov.au
What happens when you change jobs?
You don’t have to change funds when you change jobs. Even if your new employer has a default fund, you can bring your super with you when you start a new job.
When you complete the onboarding processes in a new role, you can provide your super account details along with the rest of your payroll information.
Tell your employer
To take your AustralianSuper account with you to your new employer, simply complete the Pay my super into AustralianSuper form and give it to your employer. The form has most of the details your employer needs – all you need to provide is your member number, name and AustralianSuper account name
Your super fund invests your money
You can choose how your super is invested or leave the decision to us.
Choosing how you invest your money depends on the type of investor you are. You need to know how ‘hands on’ you want to be. AustralianSuper provides access to the following investment options:
- PreMixed – hands on level = low
- DIY Mix – hands on level = medium
- Member Direct – hands on level = high
This menu has investment options with different levels of potential return and volatility. Choosing how to invest your super is an important decision. It can affect how much super you may have in retirement and how long it could last. Consider investments that suit your investment timeframe, circumstances and goals.
You retire with your savings
You can turn your super into a regular income when you retire, with an account-based pension. You can start when:
- you've turned 60 and permanently retired or stopped working for an employer, or
- you’ve turned 65 (even if you’re still working).
A regular income from an account-based pension like AustralianSuper’s Choice Income can top up any Age Pension you might receive.
How to get the most out of your super
Keep track of your balance
Consider combining super accounts
Making additional contributions
You can help boost your super by making additional contributions3. You can ask your employer to make before-tax super contributions through salary sacrifice4, or make after-tax personal contributions yourself. If eligible, you may be able to claim a tax deduction for those personal super contributions.
Check your insurance before changing funds or combining your super
Review your super investment options
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Important information to consider
- AustralianSuper Balanced investment option compared to the SuperRatings Fund Crediting Rate Survey – SR Balanced (60–76) Index to 30 September 2025. Investment returns aren’t guaranteed. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future returns. Returns from equivalent investment options of the ARF and STA super funds are used for periods before 1 July 2006.
- To be eligible for super, you must be 18 years or older. If you're a private or domestic worker or are under the age of 18 you must work more than 30 hours per week.
- Before adding to your super, consider your financial circumstances, eligibility, contribution caps that may apply, tax issues and when your super can be accessed. We recommend you consider seeking financial advice.
- Salary sacrifice may affect some Government benefits and employee benefits. We recommend you consider seeking financial advice before deciding if a salary sacrifice arrangement is right for you.
- AustralianSuper insurance is provided by TAL Life Limited (the Insurer) ABN 70 050 109 450, AFSL 237848.
- The cover provided automatically is based on your division, age, account balance and if you are receiving employer contributions. You can apply to increase, decrease, cancel or change your cover anytime. Age limits and other conditions apply. Please read the Insurance in your super guide for your division for more information at australiansuper.com/InsuranceGuide
- Before making a decision to combine your super, consider any fees or charges that may apply, and the effect a transfer may have on benefits in your other fund such as insurance cover. We recommend you consider seeking financial advice. If you wish to claim a tax deduction for personal super contributions, you must lodge a notice of intent to claim a tax deduction with your other fund before you combine your super.
- APRA Quarterly Superannuation Fund Level Statistics June 2025, Released 9 September 2025.
- Source: Zenith CW Pty Ltd (Chant West) (ABN 20 639 121 403). Chant West Super Fund Fee Survey June 2025. Survey compares administration fees and costs for MySuper products for a $50,000 balance. AustralianSuper’s MySuper product is the Balanced option. Other fees and costs apply. Fees may change in the future which may affect the outcome of this comparison.
- Thinking Ahead Institute, Global top 300 pension funds, September 2025.