Research conducted on behalf of three industry funds estimates about 650,000 workers are missing out on up to $2.5 billion annually in superannuation payments.
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That works out at a loss of almost $4000 a year in super guarantee contributions each, on average.
The non-payment of super is more likely among younger and lower-income workers.
It is also more likely to affect those in industries that have employers who go bust or close, such as in the construction and building industry, which is over-represented in the research for non-payment.
Too many employees are unaware of non-payment, and those who do chase it up too long after the event.
The Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia chief executive, Pauline Vamos, says the research shows why it is so important for people to be engaged with their super and check their accounts frequently.
Employers are required to pay 9.5 per cent of salary superannuation account and to make payments at least once a quarter; though some employers make payments more frequently. The deadline for the next quarterly payment is October 28.
Those who have any doubts about whether or not their super is being paid correctly should contact their super fund in early November, Vamos says.
The next step is to talk to the employer about it, she says. If the employer is party to a workplace agreement there will likely be an arrangement with a particular super fund. Lower-paid workers will often be covered by these industry super funds, which may be able to help in chasing payments.
If the issue is not resolved with the employer, the Australian Tax Office has a Superannuation Guarantee Hotline on 13 10 20. One of the likely hot spots for non-payments is with students working part-time or casually, particularly in the hospitality industry.
Generally, employers have to pay super for an employee if they are 18 years or over and they are paid more than $450, before tax, a month.
It doesn't matter whether the employee is full time, part time or casual. Employees who are under 18-years-old must be paid more than $450, before tax, a month and work at least 30-hours-a-week to be entitled to the super guarantee.
Some workplaces are covered by an award or agreement where everyone receives the super guarantee. Another thing that young people, in particular, need to be aware of, is that they may be paying life insurance that they do not need.
Most super funds charge a couple of dollars a week for life insurance. Funds tend to provide "default" life insurance cover; that is a minimum amount of life insurance without the fund member asking for it.
A couple of dollars a week in life insurance premiums can eat away at the super savings of those not earning much. In most cases, a fund member can opt out of the default insurance at any time by contacting the fund.
And, do not forget most people can have their super redirected to another fund at any time.
