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Back to Employment and super

Is super paid on annual leave?

Is super paid on unused annual leave when your employment ends?
What other types of leave is super paid on?
Frequently asked questions
January 06 2026
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About to submit your annual leave request and wondering what happens to your super? You’re not alone. Here’s what you need to know so you can take time off without the guesswork.

Yes, super is paid on annual leave. Your employer must keep contributing to your super while you’re on leave because those payments count as ordinary time earnings (OTE).

Super is worked out on OTE, which usually includes your normal hours of work, annual leave, sick leave, and some allowances. Employers must pay at least 12% of your OTE into your super fund. This is called the Superannuation Guarantee. 

Is super paid on unused annual leave when your employment ends?

No, your employer doesn’t need to pay super on unused annual leave. After you leave your job, any outstanding annual leave is paid out as a lump sum. Lump sum payments like this are not considered OTE.  

What other types of leave is super paid on?

Not every type of leave requires super contributions to be paid by employers. Here’s a general guide on what is considered OTE* and qualifies for super contributions:  

Leave type Is super paid?  
Annual leave (taken) Yes  
Annual leave payout (unused) No  
Sick/carer's leave Yes  
Long service leave (taken) Yes  
Long service leave payout No  
Employer-paid parental leave Not required, but employer may choose to do so.  
Government Paid Parental Leave Yes, paid by the government not your employer for children born or adopted from July 1, 2025^  
Leave type Annual leave (taken)
Is super paid? Yes
 
Leave type Annual leave payout (unused)
Is super paid? No
 
Leave type Sick/carer's leave
Is super paid? Yes
 
Leave type Long service leave (taken)
Is super paid? Yes
 
Leave type Long service leave payout
Is super paid? No
 
Leave type Employer-paid parental leave
Is super paid? Not required, but employer may choose to do so.
 
Leave type Government Paid Parental Leave
Is super paid? Yes, paid by the government not your employer for children born or adopted from July 1, 2025^
 

*For more detailed information on OTE check out the ATO’s breakdown here.

^Visit the ATO's website for more information on Government Paid Parental Leave

Frequently asked questions

Is super payable on allowances?

It depends. If an allowance is part of your ordinary hours (like a shift allowance), it’s usually included in OTE. Expense reimbursements (like travel) are not. 

Do I get super on unpaid leave? 

No. Super is only paid on OTE. As unpaid leave is ultimately paid out as a lump sum, it doesn’t qualify. 

Is super payable on annual leave loading? 

Annual leave loading is generally considered OTE, so super contributions are required.  
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