Payday Super for super funds
Overview
Regulatory
On 4 November 2025, 2.5 years since the announcement of the Payday super initiative, enabling legislation passed the Parliament and received Royal Assent on 6 November 2025. New legislation passes to ensure super is paid on time | Treasury Ministers. This followed extensive consultation with industry, with ASFA lodging a submission in April 2025.
With the legislation passed, ASFA is continuing facilitating implementation and while working with Trustees on the broader implications for superannuation fund operating models and governance, while awaiting final regulations.
Treasury Laws Amendment (Payday Superannuation) Bill 2025
The key changes introduced by this legislation are summarised below. A full summary of the key differences can be found in the Explanatory Memorandum.
- Increased Payment Frequency: On or after 1 July 2026, the obligation to pay SG contributions increased to every time an employee is paid their salary or wages, their payday (rather than quarterly at a minimum)
- Superannuation Guarantee calculation: The calculation has been updated to be based on a new concept of Qualified Earnings (QE)
- Compressed Payment timeframes: The fund must receive and be able to allocate eligible contributions within 7 BDs after pay day (with few exceptions).
- Compressed Allocation timeframes: Superannuation funds must allocate contributions within 3 business days of receiving an allocatable contribution.
- Penalties: Penalties have changed alongside a modified penalty framework.
- Transitional Rules: The ATO has issued draft guidance on its approach to first year compliance. Comments on this draft guidance was sought with the comment period closing on 7 November 2025. Advice under development – superannuation issues | Australian Taxation Office
SuperStream Contribution v3.0
To support Payday Super, efficient processing of contributions and enhancements to the existing SuperStream framework was identified by the ATO as being required.
ASFA has been working closely with the ATO and industry stakeholders to co-design efficiency uplifts to SuperStream Contribution Standard v3.0.
While these changes should be implemented independently, and ahead, of Payday Super they are a necessary enabling pillar of that reform, including reporting enabling alignment of employer and super fund data.
Key updates in SuperStream Contribution V3.0 (Contribution standard v3.0 | ATO Software Developers) include:
- SuperStream messages: Increased clarity in messages seeks to support more efficient resolution of contribution errors
- Member Validation Request: Employers will be able to confirm whether nominated funds can accept contributions for new employees.
- Fund Validation Service (FVS): Updates will include additional Unique Superannuation Identifier (USI) data improving visibility of fund changes.
- New Payments Platform (NPP): will become an approved payment method and will not require bi-lateral agreement
For more information on the changes to SuperStream, please click here.
Payday Super Access Panel
Payday Super for Super Funds
Overview
Payday Super for Super Funds
Overview
An overview of the Payday Super legislation and its implications for superannuation funds, including key changes, timelines, and compliance requirements.
SuperStream Contribution Standard V3.0
SuperStream Contribution Standard V3.0
Details on the upcoming SuperStream Contribution Standard v3.0 updates, designed to support Payday Super through faster, more accurate processing and improved data alignment.
Implications for Trustees
Members Only
Implications for Trustees
Members Only
A summary of the operational, governance, and member and employer engagement implications of Payday Super and SuperStream, with considerations for Trustees on preparing for the transition.
Implications for Stakeholder Relationships
Members Only
Implications for Stakeholder Relationships
Members Only
A look at how Payday Super affects key stakeholders across the super ecosystem and considerations for coordinated engagement. Member only content.
Operating & Governance Model Considerations
Members Only
Operating & Governance Model Considerations
Members Only
A framework to help funds and trustees assess operating and governance model impacts of Payday Super reforms and SuperStream updates. Member only content.
Frequently Asked Questions
Members Only
Frequently Asked Questions
Members Only
Frequently asked questions about Payday Super reforms and SuperStream updates, updated regularly to support fund and stakeholder readiness.
Key Terminology
Reference Guide
Key Terminology
Reference Guide
Definitions of key terms and abbreviations used in Payday Super and SuperStream to support fund and stakeholder understanding.
Timeline
Important Dates
Timeline
Important Dates
A chronological overview of key milestones leading up to the implementation of Payday Super reforms and SuperStream updates.