Right now, there are still some gaps in the system that mean not every young worker is getting a fair start.

If you’re under 18, your employer doesn’t have to pay super unless you work more than 30 hours a week for them. This is known as the “30-hour rule”.

That means for over half a million Australian teenagers who may be working in part-time jobs after school, on weekends or during school holidays, they are missing out on super altogether. This can make a real difference to your future savings because it means thousands of dollars less at retirement.

What this means for young people

According to research undertaken by the Super Members Council, this rule meant that more than half a million under-18 workers were excluded from super in 2024–25, and missed out on a combined $368 million in contributions.¹

For the average working teenager, this translates to a loss of over $2,500 in superannuation before they turn 18, and $11,000 in retirement (in today's dollars).²

Being excluded from super can put young people behind from day one, which is why CareSuper supports this law being changed. Due to the compounding effect of investment returns, this impact can increase over time.

Example 1: same number of hours in a financial year but a different work pattern

• Person 1 works 15 hours a week for 52 weeks: Earns $15,600 NO SUPER
• Person 2 works 30 hours a week for 26 weeks: Earns $15,600 + 12% Super³ of $1,872

Example 2: same number of hours across one job versus two jobs:

• Person 1 works 30 hours a week for 52 weeks with ONE employer: Earns $31,200 + 12% Super³ of $3,744
• Person 2 works 30 hours a week for 52 weeks across TWO employers: Earns $31,200 NO SUPER

Over time, this adds up. Missing out on a few thousand dollars early on can turn into tens of thousands of dollars less in retirement because of compounding.

For many young people, especially those working casual or part-time jobs, this means starting their super journey behind from day one.

What you can do now

Even while these rules are still in place, there are some simple steps that can help you make the most of your super early:

• Check if you’re being paid super
  If you’re under 18, super isn’t always automatic, so it’s worth checking your payslip or asking your employer.
• Keep track of your accounts
  If you’ve had more than one job, you may have more than one super account. Consolidating them can help avoid extra fees.
• Stay engaged, even with small balances
  Even small contributions can grow over time. The earlier you take an interest, the better off you’re likely to be.
• Ask questions
  If you’re unsure, your super fund (and your parents or guardians) can help you understand how it all works.
• Parents and guardians: start the conversation early
  Helping young people understand super when they get their first job can set them up for better financial habits over their working life.

You can also visit our Education Hub to explore more information with our guides, articles, calculators and more.

Why CareSuper is calling for change

CareSuper has more than 91,000 members under 25, many of whom started working before they turned 18.

We believe young workers should be paid super on every dollar they earn — just like every other worker.

Removing the 30-hour rule would help ensure young people aren’t left behind simply because of how their work is structured. It’s a practical change that would give our younger members a fairer start and help set them up for stronger retirement outcomes.

This is general information only and doesn’t take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before making a decision about CareSuper, you should consider if this information is right for you.

For more information about eligibility head to the ATO website.