Super for part-time and casual employees

Working on a part-time or casual basis can give you the flexibility you need to juggle your family, lifestyle or other commitments.

The downside can be that working fewer hours or irregular shifts might mean your super account receives less contributions, which can have an impact on your retirement savings.

Here are some things to consider if you’re working part-time or casually.

Grow your super by making small contributions

Regular contributions over time are the best way to add to your super and give your investment the best chance to grow. If you’re working part-time or as a casual, regular super payments through your employer’s compulsory Superannuation Guarantee (SG) contributions are one way to grow your super – but it’s not the only option.

You might consider making your own contributions, such as if you receive unexpected money through a bonus or one-off gift. You could also set up your own regular super contributions. Even small amounts, paid regularly, can make a noticeable difference to your balance.

Check if you’re eligible for government co-contributions

If you earn under $62,488 per financial year and meet other criteria, the Australian Government could help you boost your super by up to $500.

If you’re eligible and you make a personal (after-tax) contribution to your super during the financial year, the government could match it by up to 50% of every dollar you added to your super.

Find out more about the government co-contribution

Check your account so you don’t miss out on super

Some people are more likely to miss out on super than others. Australian Government data shows that casual, part-time and lower-paid workers are at most risk.

Generally, you should be paid super if:

• You are over 18, no matter how many hours you work
• You are under 18 and work more than 30 hours a week

If you work in the WA public sector, however, you should be paid super regardless of your age and how many hours you work each week.

While most employers pay super correctly, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) estimates that $6.25 billion worth of super wasn’t paid to Australians last financial year. Recent analysis also found that $24.4 billion was owed to one in four workers each year between 2018 and 2023.

In the past, employers only had to pay SG contributions quarterly. WA public sector employees have usually received their super with each pay on a more regular basis, but many private sector workers may only receive super four times per year – or sometimes not at all.

The good news is that new rules came into effect on 1 July 2026, known as Payday Super. These changes mean all employers now must pay super within seven business days of payday. If they don’t, they can be fined.

No matter where you work – in the WA public sector or privately – it’s a good idea to check your account regularly. This makes sure your employer is paying the super contributions you’re entitled to.

You can log in to Member Online to view transactions or check your latest annual member statement.

Check your insurance in super

Part-time or casual work could have an impact on the insurance cover you might have with your super account, especially if your situation has changed since you first joined GESB.

It’s important to check any insurance cover suits your needs and stage of life.

Read more about insurance and your super