Get App
Unpaid super short-changing women by thousands in retirement
Missing super payments might not sound like much now, but over a career they can drain tens of thousands from your balance.
10 Sept 2025
Missing super payments might not sound like much now, but over a career they can drain tens of thousands from your balance.
A new report has revealed that one in four working women in Australia is being underpaid super, leaving some up to $26,000 worse off by retirement. With women already retiring with around a quarter less super than men, missing payments can make the gap even harder to close.
The hidden hit to women’s super
A report from the Super Members Council found the average affected working woman misses out on $1300 in super in a year. Over the course of a career, this adds up to around $26,000 less in retirement savings.
Women already face a super gap due to time out of the workforce to care for children and other family members and part-time work, meaning unpaid super can widen the financial gap ever further.
Super Members Council CEO, Misha Schubert, says women are “short-changed twice”:
- First by taking time out of the workforce to care for others
- Then again by being more likely to miss out on super contributions
Ms Schubert also said that fixing this issue is not just about fairness, but about economic security for millions of Australian women.
“Women in low-paid, insecure or part-time jobs are hit hardest by unpaid super, and they are often the same women who take time out of the workforce to care for others. They’re short-changed twice.”
Will new pay day super laws help?
The Australian Federal Government has pledged to introduce payday super laws from 1 July 2026, meaning employers would need to pay super at the same time as wages, instead of quarterly.
This change will potentially make it harder for unpaid super to fall through the cracks, but delays are possible, so it’s important to stay on top of your own super now and in the future.
What are the average super balances for Australians by age?
Here’s how much the average super balances are for Australians based on their age, according to data from the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA):
← Mobile/tablet users, scroll sideways to view full table →
|
Age
|
Average
|
Average
|
Difference
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 | $42,000 | $41,000 | $1,000 |
| 40 | $103,000 | $87,000 | $16,000 |
| 50 | $160,000 | $127,000 | $33,000 |
| 60 | $174,000 | $139,000 | $35,000 |
Source: www.canstar.com.au – 10/09/2025. Average balances based on those reported in the APRA Quarterly Superannuation Industry Publication (September 2025).
As you can see, there is a large discrepancy between men and women when it comes to their super balances.
To enjoy a comfortable retirement, experts say couples need about $690,000 in super by the time they retire at 65–67. If you’re planning to retire earlier or want a higher yearly income, this figure rises to over $1 million.
How to protect your super
While the best options to safeguard your retirement savings vary depending on your own financial situation and life stage, there are a few simple steps that most Australians can take to help protect your super and close the gender super gap.
Regularly check your payments
Checking your balance and super statements regularly gives you a better idea of how your super is performing and whether your employer has been paying you the correct amount. If you discover underpayments, check with your employer to see if it was a simple mistake, then if necessary, report unpaid super via the ATO, or contact the fair work ombudsman.
Make extra contributions
If your budget allows for a little wiggle room, paying more than the minimum super guarantee into your super fund can make a big difference to your retirement savings in the long term. Because of compounding (earning returns on your returns), even small additional contributions can grow by tens of thousands by the time you retire.
Some options to consider:
- Salary sacrifice of pre-tax income into your super (also known as concessional contributions)
- Pay your own voluntary contributions out of your post-tax income (non-concessional contributions).
Making post-tax super contributions could mean the government may also make a super co-contribution. Keep in mind that there are caps on how much extra you can contribute to your super fund per year. Your extra contributions could also affect your income taxes; check with the ATO and/or a financial adviser or tax accountant to learn more.
Ask your partner to chip in
A significant contributor to the gender super gap is women having to put careers on hold and/or work less to accommodate family and care commitments. If you’re focusing on your family, such as when taking parental leave, your partner may be able to make extra voluntary super contributions out of their own income on your behalf, to help you from falling behind.
Consolidate your super
Still have multiple super funds open under your name? If you’ve changed jobs often, or opened a new super account each time you start a new role, you’ll likely have multiple accounts charging fees. Combining your super will help you to save money on fees and charges, and make tracking your super simpler to organise.
Keep in mind that since 2021, Australians are likely to have a “stapled” super fund that is the default place where super should go when moving between jobs.
Compare super funds
Sometimes your current super fund is no longer suitable for your changing lifestyle and financial circumstances. Compare super funds, look for one with strong long-term returns, insurance that suits your needs, and reasonable fees. Keep in mind that past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance, and consider seeking professional financial advice before making any changes.
This article was reviewed by our Finance Editor Jessica Pridmore before it was updated, as part of our fact-checking process.
