Payday Super Readiness Checker
Payday Super started 1 July 2026. Use ATO employer guidance, not a SoftwareHQ score.
About This Tool
Payday Super is the most significant change to superannuation payment obligations since the Superannuation Guarantee was introduced in 1992. From 1 July 2026, employers must pay superannuation contributions on or before the same day they pay employees' salary and wages. This replaces the current system where super is due within 28 days after the end of each quarter, dramatically increasing payment frequency.
Why This Matters for Australian Businesses
The shift from quarterly to per-pay-period super payments will require changes to payroll processes, cash flow planning, and software systems for most Australian businesses. Employers who currently pay super quarterly will need to increase payment frequency from 4 times per year to 26 times (fortnightly pay) or 52 times (weekly pay). Businesses that fail to comply face the Super Guarantee Charge, calculated per missed payday rather than per quarter, potentially resulting in higher cumulative penalties.
Key Rules & Thresholds
- Payday Super takes effect from 1 July 2026 — affecting all employers in Australia
- Super must be paid on or before the employee's payday, not within 28 days after quarter end
- The Super Guarantee Charge will apply per missed payday instead of per quarter
- Major payroll providers (Xero, MYOB, KeyPay, Employment Hero) are updating their systems for Payday Super
- Clearing houses and super funds must process contributions faster under the new rules
- Employers currently paying super quarterly should begin adjusting cash flow now for more frequent payments