What is happening to the SBSCH?
The Small Business Superannuation Clearing House (SBSCH) is a service that let small employers (<=19 employees or < $10M turnover) pay super guarantee contributions in bulk. Effective 1 July 2026, it will close permanently as part of the Payday Super reforms. (ato.gov.au)
Existing registrants can keep using it until 11:59pm AEST on 30 June 2026, after which they won’t be able to make payments or access records. New registrations are no longer accepted. (ato.gov.au)
Why is this change important?
- Removes an older system that chunks super payments at quarterly intervals, conflicting with the new Payday Super requirement for super to be paid at each payday.
- Pushes employers toward modern payment and reporting systems, especially SuperStream, STP, and NPP.
What employers must do now
- Choose a new payment method before 1 July 2026. Options include:
- Payroll software with built-in super payment functionality,
- Third-party clearing houses,
- Banks or super funds that accept SuperStream payments directly.
- Download your transaction history and employee data from SBSCH before closure to retain super audit, valuation, and employee statement records. (ato.gov.au)
Example scenarios
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Business A, employing 15 people, has been using SBSCH. As of 30 June, their last payment must be submitted by then; from their first July pay run, they must use a payroll system or other clearing house.
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Business B, with fewer employees, has noted new pay frequency (say weekly instead of monthly)—must ensure their new system maps earnings properly under QE definition and meets 7-business-day receipt rules under Payday Super.
Tips to transition smoothly
- Start testing new super payment processes well ahead of time—alerts, reconciliation, and fund verification must all work.
- Ensure payroll systems are updated for QE definitions and MCB tracking.
- Communicate with employees—explain any changes to when super appears in their pay slips and where their super fund details need to be verified.
- Maintain accurate records of all historical payments—download now, store securely, as post-30 June access ends.
Closing the SBSCH is more than just a technical change—it’s part of broader reforms that require employers to modernize. Early action will keep your compliance on track and avoid last-minute headaches.