Sophie Foster
Updated 25 Mar 2026, 1:36pm
First published 25 Mar 2026, 1:33pm
ATO estimates that delayed contribution payments by employers are in the range of $6 billion.
Millions of Aussies could get a leg-up into the housing market as billions delayed by employers are paid straight into workers’ accounts.
Sweeping “payday super” laws, backed by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority, will force a major shift in how and when super is paid – targeting unpaid or delayed contributions estimated by the Australian Taxation Office at $6 billion.
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Having super contributions paid into workers’ funds on payday could strengthen balances that can be tapped for schemes like First Home Super Saver.
An ATO statement told employers “from July 1, 2026 you must pay employees their super guarantee on payday, at the same time as their salary and wages”.
Currently, employers can pay super quarterly, meaning billions can sit outside workers’ superannuation accounts for months before being deposited – missing out on potential compounding.
Under the new system, “super guarantee payments must be paid … on payday, and received by the super fund within seven business days”.
The Australian parliament passed Payday Super legislation in November 2025, with the Payday Super Regulations released in February, close to five months ahead of commencement.
By forcing super to be paid sooner, the reform means contributions start working for employees earlier, strengthening balances that can be tapped through schemes like the First Home Super Saver Scheme to help fund a deposit.
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Currently employers hold super contributions in their own accounts, paying it out quarterly.
APRA said the overhaul was designed to close a massive gap in the system, with unpaid super running into the billions each year – money that would otherwise be building long-term savings for workers.
“Payday Super represents an important reform for Australia’s superannuation system,” APRA said.
The change also forces super funds to move faster, with contributions required to be allocated within just days – a significant acceleration on current time frames.
With just over three months to the start of the new rules, APRA has flagged concerns that “a material number of RSE licensees are not currently on track” to deliver key elements needed for the reforms.
ATO is urging employers to prepare now for the July 1 change so the transition is smooth.
The ATO has urged employers to prepare now.
“Plan ahead. Review your payroll systems and super processes and get ready to pay super guarantee more frequently,” the ATO said.
Over time, getting super paid earlier and more frequently means money starts compounding sooner – potentially boosting balances and helping some Australians build savings that could be put towards a home deposit through schemes like the First Home Super Saver Scheme.
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