A first job is exciting – you’ve earned your own money! But then your first payslip arrives and it looks like it’s written in another language. Don’t worry. In this guide, we’ll explain money basics for school leavers with disability in plain Australian English. You’ll learn what a payslip is, why tax gets taken out, what superannuation means, and how to check you’re being paid correctly (including everyday explanations of penalty rates, casual loading, and minimum shift rules). We’ll also cover the practical “first job admin” many young people miss: Tax File Numbers (TFNs), bank account details, how pay cycles work, how to read roster apps, and what to do if something doesn’t add up – all without panic.

This is a confidence-building resource that families and Youth Coaches can use during SLES (School Leaver Employment Supports). At Next Gen Youth Employment, we understand how overwhelming these topics can seem, so we’re here to help you feel capable, independent and less anxious about money as you transition from school into paid work. Let’s break it down together!

Understanding Your Payslip

What is a payslip? A payslip is a summary of your earnings and any deductions (like tax) for each pay period. By law in Australia, your employer must give you a payslip every time you get paid, usually within one working day of paying your wages. It might be emailed to you or given as a print-out. This isn’t just paperwork – it’s your record of what you’ve been paid and if everything is correct.

Payslip Walkthrough – Common Items Explained: Most payslips contain several standard lines. Here are the most common parts of an Australian payslip and what they mean:

• Pay Period and Date: The date of payment and the period of time the pay covers (e.g. “Pay period: 1-14 March, Paid: 15 March”). This tells you what work days or weeks you’re being paid for on that slip.
• Hours and Rate: How many hours you worked and your pay rate for those hours. For example, it may list “Hours: 20 @ $18/hour”, meaning you worked 20 hours at $18 per hour. The payslip might show each rate if you have different types of hours (like ordinary hours vs. weekend hours).
• Gross Pay: Your total earnings before any deductions. This is the sum of all your pay for the period, not counting tax or other deductions. It’s often labeled “Gross” or “Gross Pay”.
• Tax Withheld (PAYG): The amount of income tax your employer has deducted from your pay to send to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). This is also called PAYG withholding (Pay As You Go). We’ll explain more about tax in a moment, but essentially this money goes to the government as an upfront tax payment on your behalf.
• Other Deductions: If applicable, this section shows any other amounts taken out of your pay. For most young people’s first jobs, tax is the main deduction. There could also be things like union fees or student loan repayments in future, but if you don’t see any others, don’t worry. No deductions should be made without your knowledge or consent. (It’s actually illegal for an employer to deduct things like equipment costs from your wage without permission.)
• Superannuation: The amount of superannuation contribution for this pay period. Super is money your employer must put aside for your retirement – it doesn’t come to you now, but it’s still part of your compensation. The payslip might show the super fund name and how much was contributed for you.
• Net Pay: This is your “take-home” pay – the amount deposited into your bank account after deductions. In other words, Net Pay = Gross Pay – Tax (and any other deductions). This is the figure you actually receive, so it should match the amount that shows up in your bank.

Your payslip may include additional details like your employer’s ABN, your employee number, or year-to-date totals (how much you’ve earned so far this financial year). If you’re a full-time or part-time worker, it might also show your accrued leave balances (sick leave, annual leave). But the list above covers the key things to look at on a basic payslip.

Always save your payslips (whether you keep the emails or take screenshots). They’re important records. You’ll need them if you want to double-check your pay or if you’re doing your tax return later. Keeping a folder for payslips is a good money habit to start with your first job. If something looks confusing on a payslip, don’t be afraid to ask someone – a parent, your SLES Youth Coach, or even your employer’s payroll officer – to help explain it. Next Gen Youth Employment’s coaches can even walk through a payslip with you one-on-one until you feel confident reading them.

Why Is Tax Taken Out of My Pay?

When you saw money deducted for “tax” on your payslip, you might have thought, “Hey, why am I not getting all the money I earned?” This is due to Australia’s income tax system. Here’s what that means for you:

Tax Basics: Taxes are payments everyone makes to the government to fund public services like schools, hospitals, roads, and more. How much tax you pay depends on how much money you earn – people who earn more income generally pay more tax, while low incomes are taxed very little or not at all.

Tax File Number (TFN): When you start any job, you’ll be asked to provide your Tax File Number. A TFN is a unique number issued to you by the ATO – it’s basically an ID for your tax matters. If you don’t have a TFN yet, you must apply for one before starting work. (You can apply online through the ATO; it’s free. A Next Gen Youth Employment coach can help you with the application if needed.) Once you have a TFN, it’s yours for life – even if you change jobs or move, your TFN stays the same.

Tax Declaration Form: On or before your first day, your employer will give you a Tax File Number Declaration form to fill out. This form is how you officially give them your TFN and tell them certain things like whether you want to claim the tax-free threshold (more on that shortly). By signing that form, you give your employer permission to deduct income tax from each pay and send it to the ATO. This system is called Pay As You Go (PAYG) withholding, meaning you pay a bit of your tax gradually out of each paycheck instead of getting a huge tax bill at the end of the year. It makes life easier and ensures you don’t fall behind on taxes.

Tax-Free Threshold: Australia has a tax-free threshold of $18,200 per year for residents. This means if you earn less than $18,200 in a financial year, you don’t pay any income tax on that money. When you fill out your tax form for a new job, you can claim the tax-free threshold (usually yes for your first or only job) – this tells your employer to reduce the tax they withhold. In practice, claiming the threshold means you won’t pay tax on roughly the first $350 per week you earn. For example, if you’re only working a few hours a week and your annual income is under $18,200, you might see little or no tax coming out of your pay. If you earn more than that, you’ll pay tax on the portion above $18,200 at the appropriate rate. Most school leavers with a part-time job won’t exceed this threshold, but if you work more hours or full-time you eventually will – the tax form handles this automatically.

What if you have two jobs? You should only claim the tax-free threshold for one job (usually your main or highest paying job). The second job will then withhold tax from the first dollar, because you’ve already used your tax-free amount on the first job. This prevents you from under-paying tax. If you’re ever unsure, a Next Gen Youth Employment coach or a tax advisor can help you fill out the form correctly.

Giving Your TFN = Paying the Right Tax: It’s really important to provide your TFN to your employer. If you don’t, the employer is legally required to withhold tax at the highest rate (almost half your pay!) because the ATO doesn’t know if you’re entitled to the tax-free threshold. In other words, without a TFN, your boss might have to send 45% or more of your wage to the tax office – and you’ll only get the remainder. You can avoid that by simply putting your TFN on the form. If you didn’t have a TFN when you started but you get it later, give it to your employer as soon as possible so they can adjust your tax withholdings back to normal.

Where Does the Tax Money Go? The money withheld for tax from each pay is sent to the ATO and held as credit under your name. After the end of the financial year (30 June), you’ll do a tax return (or someone will help you do it). If too much tax was taken, you’ll get a refund; if not enough was taken, you might have to pay a bit more. For most young people in their first jobs, the system is set up so you usually either get a small refund or break even at tax time. The key thing is don’t panic – you’re not losing that money for nothing. It’s contributing to public services, and any excess comes back to you later.

Summary: Tax gets taken out so you pay as you go and don’t end up with a big debt later. Always provide your TFN and claim the tax-free threshold if this is your main job. This way, you’ll have the correct amount of tax withheld and keep as much of your pay as you’re entitled to. If you see something odd with the tax on your payslip (say, they took too much or too little), politely ask your payroll or manager to check – mistakes can happen. And remember, if you need guidance, Next Gen Youth Employment can help explain taxes and forms as part of your SLES support, so you feel comfortable and in control.

Superannuation: What’s “Super” and Why Do I Have an Account?

“Superannuation” (often just called super) is another word you’ll see on your payslip and new job paperwork. Super might seem irrelevant now (“I’m 17, why talk about retirement?!”), but it’s actually an important part of your employment conditions from day one.

What is Superannuation? Superannuation is a compulsory retirement savings system in Australia. In simple terms, super is money your employer must put away for you for the future. It’s your money, but by law it’s kept in a special fund until you retire (or at least until you’re older). Think of it as future you’s money – you can’t use it now, but it will be there later when you stop working. Super is meant to help people have savings to live on in retirement in addition to the Age Pension.

How Super Works in Your First Job: For almost every job in Australia, the employer has to contribute a minimum percentage of your ordinary earnings into a super fund on your behalf. As of 2025, the super guarantee rate is 12% of your earnings. This is in addition to your wage. For example, if you earn $200 in a week, your employer will pay $200 to you (before tax), and also must put about $24 into your super account for you. You’ll see that $24 recorded on your payslip as superannuation. You do not lose this from your take-home pay – it’s extra money from your employer, but earmarked for your retirement.

Age and Super: There’s one special rule for young workers: if you are under 18 years old, you only qualify for super contributions if you work over 30 hours in a week. This is to exclude very casual teenage jobs from the super system. So if you’re 16 and just doing 6 hours on a Saturday, your employer might not have to pay super for those weeks. But once you work more than 30 hours in a week (e.g. a full-time week during school holidays), then they must pay super for that period. Once you turn 18, the 30-hour rule no longer applies – any amount of pay will attract super contributions. (Also note: prior to 2022 there was a $450/month minimum earning threshold for super, but that has been removed – now it’s only about age/hours). When in doubt, just check your payslip: if you see a super amount listed, it means you’re getting it. If you think you should be getting super but don’t see it, ask your employer or get advice.

Choosing a Super Fund: Super contributions have to go into a superannuation fund – basically an account with a financial company that invests the money for you until retirement. When you start a job, you will be given a form to nominate your super fund. If you already have a super fund (say, your parents helped you set one up, or it’s from a previous job), you can provide those account details to your employer so they pay into that fund. If you don’t have a super fund yet, no worries – your employer has a default company fund and they will open an account for you there. You always have the option later to change which fund your money is in (you can “roll over” super into a different fund), but when starting out it’s easiest to go with the flow: either use your existing fund or let your employer’s default fund be opened for you.

Keeping Track: Although you can’t spend your super now, it’s important to keep track of it. You should receive a welcome pack or login details for your super fund when contributions start. Set up online access or the fund’s app so you can see the balance and transactions. It’s good to get in the habit of checking that your employer is actually paying the super they should (most do, but it’s something to be mindful of – unpaid super is a form of underpayment). On your payslip, check that there is a super amount listed each pay (after you meet the eligibility like turning 18 or 30-hour weeks). Employers are required to pay super at least once a quarter by law, though many pay it every pay cycle. Starting from 1 July 2026, it’s expected that employers will need to pay super at the same time as wages, which makes it easier to track. In any case, it’s your money – keep an eye on it!

Why Super Matters (Even Now): It’s hard to think about retirement in your teens or early 20s, but the reality is the money put into super now will grow over decades thanks to investment returns. Starting early means your super has more time to increase. Even a few hundred dollars in your first job can turn into a few thousand by the time you retire due to compound growth. More immediately, understanding super is part of understanding your total pay package – it’s not just about your take-home pay, but also the extra 12% going into your future pocket. Feeling comfortable with how super works is a big step toward financial independence and confidence.

If you have questions about super (like which fund to choose or how to find lost super from an old account), you can ask your Next Gen Youth Employment coach or look at resources like Moneysmart’s “how super works” guide. The Office for Youth also suggests it’s a good habit to make sure your employer is paying the right amount into your super – a skill we’ll help you learn during SLES so you can self-advocate. Remember, superannuation is part of your earnings, just locked up for later, so it deserves attention.

Getting Paid Correctly: Wages, Penalty Rates & Loadings

When you start earning money, it’s important to know what you’re entitled to. Australia has strong workplace laws to protect employees (including young workers and workers with disability) – you just need to know the basics so you can recognize if you’re being paid correctly. Let’s go through some key concepts in everyday terms:

Minimum Wage: Australia has a legal minimum wage that employers must pay. In fact, many industries have specific award rates (legally set rates) depending on your job and age. It’s illegal for an employer to pay below the minimum wage for the role. As a new worker, you might be on the basic minimum or an “award wage.” These rates can vary if you’re under 21 (junior rates) or depending on the job’s skill level. If you’re not sure how much you should be earning per hour, you can check the Fair Work Ombudsman’s website for the current minimum wage or your industry’s award rate. For example, as of 2024 the national minimum wage for adults is around $23.23/hour, but juniors often get a percentage of that until they reach a certain age. Don’t let the details overwhelm you – the key point is know your rate. Your offer letter or boss should tell you your hourly pay. Make sure that matches what shows up on the payslip (hours × rate). If it doesn’t, politely ask why. Sometimes higher rates apply for weekends, etc. (which we’re about to explain), but if you ever suspect “this seems too low”, trust that instinct and investigate.

Casual vs Part-Time – and Loading: Many school leavers start in casual jobs. A casual employee is someone who doesn’t have guaranteed hours each week and doesn’t get paid sick leave or annual leave. To compensate for the lack of those benefits, casuals get paid a bit extra on top of the base rate – this is called a casual loading. In most industries the standard casual loading is 25%. In simple terms, if a full-time worker’s base rate is $20/hour, a casual doing the same job might get $25/hour. That extra $5 is the 25% loading. It’s there to make up for no holiday pay, no sick days, and less job security for casuals. If you are a casual, your payslip might not explicitly say “25% loading” – it might just show your higher hourly rate inclusive of loading. But you should be aware of it. For example, if the award base rate for a barista is $18/hour, the casual loading makes it $22.50/hour. Knowing this helps you check that you’re getting the correct casual rate. (If you’re part-time or full-time, you don’t get loading but you do get leave entitlements instead. Different setup, but likewise ensure your pay matches the correct rate for your classification.)

Penalty Rates (Evenings, Weekends, Holidays): Penalty rates are higher pay rates that kick in for working “unsociable” hours – like on weekends, public holidays, late nights or early mornings. They’re called penalties because they compensate you for the sacrifice of working at times most people don’t. For example, you might get an extra 25% for working on a Saturday, or 50% more for a Sunday, or even double pay on a public holiday. Think of it as time-and-a-half or double-time for those special days. The exact penalty rates depend on the award or enterprise agreement for your job, but to illustrate: under many common awards, Saturday might be 125% of your normal rate, Sunday 150%, and public holidays 250% (double-and-a-half!). So if your base rate is $20, Sunday could be $30/hour with a 50% loading. If you’re a casual, penalty rates usually stack with your casual loading – meaning a casual Sunday could be something like 175% of base (which is the 150% Sunday rate plus the 25% casual loading). It might sound like a lot of math, but the outcome is simple: when you work unsociable hours, you should see a higher pay rate on your roster/payslip for those hours. Always check your payslip: if you worked a Sunday or holiday, did you get the higher rate? It might be listed as a separate line (e.g. “Sunday hours @ 1.5x”) or baked into the gross amount. If you’re unsure, ask your manager or HR, “What’s the rate for Sunday shifts?” so you know what to expect. Penalty rates are your right – don’t feel bad for receiving them. They’re there because, let’s face it, working Christmas morning or late Friday night is tough, and you deserve extra for it.

Minimum Shift Rules: One thing many people don’t realize is that there are minimum shift lengths for most workers, especially casuals. This means if your boss calls you in, it must be for a minimum amount of time (often 2 or 3 hours, depending on the award). They can’t typically roster you for just one hour and send you home – even if you only worked an hour, they’d have to pay the minimum (say, 3 hours pay) by law. For example, under the Fast Food Award, the minimum shift for an adult casual might be 3 hours. Under the Retail Award it’s also generally 3 hours, while some other jobs like a bartender might have a 2-hour minimum. So if you start a shift and something happens (maybe it’s a slow day and they let you leave early), you should still get paid the minimum shift length. On your payslip this could show up as, for instance, 3 hours even if you were there 1 hour. Just be aware of this so you’re not short-changed if it occurs. Your time is valuable, and the law recognizes that by ensuring a minimum payment. If you regularly find you’re rostered very short shifts that barely meet the minimum, you might want to talk to your employer about getting longer shifts less frequently, or discuss it with your support person/coach.

Checking Your Pay: With all these factors – base rate, casual loading, penalty rates, etc. – it’s a good idea to get in the habit of checking your pay each period. It might feel awkward to question it, but it’s your right to understand your pay. Go through this mental checklist each time: 1) Does the gross pay equal roughly hours worked × the rate you expected? 2) Were higher rates applied on the weekend or overtime as they should be? 3) Was the correct tax taken out (not way too much or too little)? 4) Is super listed and roughly 11-12% of gross? If all that looks right, you can be confident you’re being paid correctly. If something looks off, it could be an honest mistake – payroll errors happen. You can then calmly bring it up to get it fixed (more on how to do that in a later section “what to do if something doesn’t add up”).

Resources and Support: You’re not expected to memorize every award rule – part of building your money skills is just knowing where to find answers. The Fair Work Ombudsman has an excellent website with information specifically for young workers and students, including pay calculators and guides. You can also call Fair Work if you have questions about your pay. Another ally can be your family or a mentor – for instance, Next Gen Youth Employment coaches can assist you in checking pay rates and understanding your entitlements during your SLES program. We want you to feel confident that you’re not being taken advantage of. Remember: most employers do the right thing. But it’s empowering to know for yourself what you should be paid. With knowledge, you can speak up early if something’s wrong, rather than suffering in silence.

Lastly, let’s touch on a concept called “loading” vs “penalty”: don’t confuse casual loading (extra pay for being casual) with penalty rates (extra pay for certain days/times). They are different, but as a casual you often get both. For example, a casual working Sunday gets casual loading and Sunday penalty. Your payslip might break these out or just show a single combined higher rate. The bottom line: working odd hours = higher pay, and casual status = higher base rate. Keep that in mind and you’ll find it easier to decode your pay.

First Job Admin: TFNs, Bank Details & Pay Cycles

Landing your first job isn’t just about the work – there’s a bit of “admin” to take care of to get you set up to actually receive your pay. Many young people (and even some adults!) get tripped up by these little tasks, but we’ll list them here so you can check each one off confidently. Consider this the “before day one” checklist of things to have in place:

Tax File Number (TFN): As mentioned earlier, you need a TFN when you start a job. If you haven’t applied for one yet, make that a top priority. You can apply through the ATO’s website for free – there’s an online form and you’ll need some proof of identity (like a birth certificate, passport, or Medicare card). It can take a couple of weeks to receive your TFN, so earlier is better. Once you have it, keep it written down in a safe place. You’ll fill out a TFN declaration form (usually on your first day) to give that number to your employer, or sometimes employers do this electronically. If you’re unsure how to apply or what documents you need, ask a parent or your Next Gen Youth Employment coach for help. We often assist our SLES participants with TFN applications as part of getting job-ready, so you’re not alone in this step!

Bank Account for Your Pay: These days, most jobs pay via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) – meaning your wages go straight into your bank account. If you don’t already have a bank account in your name, you’ll need to open one before you start work. A basic transaction account (often with a debit card) at any bank will do. Youth accounts usually have no fees. You’ll need to provide your BSB (bank branch number) and Account Number to your employer so they can pay you. This info is usually on your internet banking or bank statements – or you can ask the bank for it. Tip: Make sure the account can receive direct deposits and is one you’ll use regularly. Some people choose to have a separate account just for their salary, but when starting out your everyday account is fine. Once you’ve given your bank details, check after your first payday that the money arrives correctly. Also, your pay cycle could be weekly, fortnightly, or monthly – ask your employer “How often do we get paid?” so you know when to expect the funds. Many entry-level jobs pay weekly or fortnightly. Knowing the pay cycle helps you plan your budget and not panic if you don’t see money immediately (e.g. if you start mid-cycle, you might wait a week or two for the first pay).

Superannuation Details: We discussed superannuation earlier. In your new starter paperwork, there’s usually a Superannuation Choice form. If you have an existing super fund, fill in your fund’s name and your member number (you can find these on any letter or email from your super fund, or by calling them). If you don’t have one, you’ll likely tick a box to use the employer’s default fund. They’ll then create an account for you. Make sure you get the details of that new account (welcome email or letter) so you can keep track. This isn’t something you must do before day one (since you might need to see what fund the employer uses), but at least be aware it’s coming. You might ask in advance, “Which super fund do you use for new employees?” so you can read about it or choose your own alternative if you prefer. Next Gen Youth Employment can guide you through choosing a super fund if that’s something you want help with – it can be confusing with all the options out there.

Know Your Pay Details: Before you start, make sure you know how much you’ll be paid (hourly or salary), how often you’ll be paid (weekly/fortnightly), and how to record your hours. For example, some jobs require you to fill out a timesheet or use a clock-in system to track your hours. Others might be fixed hours so you don’t need to do anything. It’s important to ask, “Do I need to clock in or submit hours, or is it automatic?” Filling out a timesheet wrong can delay pay, so get clarity on the process. If it’s an online system or app, get your login sorted ASAP.

Rosters and Schedule: Find out how you will receive your roster (work schedule). Many modern workplaces use roster apps like Deputy, Tanda, When I Work, or even WhatsApp groups to communicate shifts. Others might email a schedule or post it on a notice board. Knowing this upfront will save you a lot of anxiety – you don’t want to be the person who didn’t know they were rostered on Saturday because you weren’t checking the app! If it’s an app, make sure you download it, log in, and understand the basics (your employer will usually send an invite or login details). If it’s a physical roster, know where to find it (e.g. “the roster is pinned up in the break room every Thursday for next week”). Set reminders to check your roster regularly so nothing slips through. If you have any accessibility needs (for example, if a visual schedule or certain format works better for you), let your employer or coach know – they can often adjust or help you set up a system that suits you.

Emergency Contacts and Personal Info: On your first day, you’ll probably fill out a general form with your address, phone, emergency contact, etc. It’s routine. Have those details handy. Also, bring any required identification documents. Some jobs might ask to see a passport or birth certificate on day one to verify your right to work (especially if you’re starting under 18 or are an NDIS participant worker, etc.). Typically, a driver’s license or student ID plus Medicare card is enough for ID if needed, but check if they mentioned anything in advance. This isn’t specifically money-related, but it’s part of first job admin that’s good to be prepared for.

Before Day One Checklist: Let’s summarise a simple checklist of what to set up before your first day:

1. Get your Tax File Number (TFN) – or ensure you know your TFN if you already have one.
2. Open a bank account (if you don’t have one) and note your BSB & account number for payroll.
3. Think about superannuation – have your super fund details ready, or be ready to accept the default fund.
4. Complete any forms your employer sent you (some do an online onboarding packet with personal details, TFN, super, bank info). If not, these will be done on day one – but gather your info (TFN, bank, ID) to bring along.
5. Know the pay schedule and process – confirm when and how you’ll get paid, and how to track hours (timesheets, etc.).
6. Set up roster access – download any required apps or know where to find the roster.
7. Ask questions early. If you’re unsure about any of the above, it’s totally okay to call or email the HR person or manager before you start. It shows you’re proactive and keen to get it right.

Tick off those items, and you’ll walk into your new job with all the boring but important admin stuff under control. That means you can focus on learning the job itself and making a great first impression. 

(Bonus tip: It’s a good idea to organise a folder – physical or digital – for your employment documents. Keep copies of your contract, any forms you signed, and your payslips. This “paper trail” will be handy if you ever need to check something or even apply for things like rent or loans down the track. Getting organised now is a skill that will serve you in all aspects of adulthood!)

“Something’s Not Right!” – What to Do If You Think You’re Underpaid or There’s a Mistake

Despite everyone’s best efforts, mistakes can happen with pay. Maybe your hours were entered incorrectly, or an overtime rate was missed, or you simply got shorted $50 due to a payroll error. For a young worker, this can be really distressing – it might feel hard to speak up, and you might worry you’ll get in trouble or even lose your job for questioning it. Take a deep breath. There are straightforward, non-scary steps you can take if something on your payslip doesn’t add up. Here’s how to handle it without panic:

1. Double-Check the Details: Before assuming an error, do a quick personal audit. Compare your own record of hours/shifts with what the payslip says. Did you perhaps forget that you started an hour late one day? Or maybe you didn’t notice a deduction (like uniform cost) that you agreed to? Mistakes can be on either side. So count your hours, multiply by your rate, and see if that matches the gross pay. Check if the tax seems way too high or low relative to previous pays (keeping in mind new tax tables if you got a pay jump or turned 18, etc.). If you can’t identify the discrepancy, that’s okay – it still might be a mistake on their end, but this helps you be specific when you raise it.

2. Ask Your Employer (Calmly & Quickly): It’s best to bring up pay issues as soon as you notice them, while the details are fresh. Approach your manager or the payroll/bookkeeping person in a friendly, non-accusatory way. For example: “Hi, I was looking at my payslip and I just wanted to clarify something. I expected to see 20 hours, but it’s showing 16 hours – could there be an error in the rostered hours for last week?” or “I noticed I didn’t get the Sunday rate on the payslip; should I have, or am I mistaken about how it works?” This tone invites explanation or correction, rather than confrontation. In most cases, if it’s a mistake, they’ll apologize and correct it by the next pay. If it’s not a mistake, they’ll explain (e.g. “Oh, you left early so your hours were less” or “We had you on a higher rate already so Sunday didn’t add extra” – whatever the reason, at least you’ll know). Remember, you have every right to ask questions about your pay. It doesn’t matter if you’re young, disabled, or new – your wages are your livelihood, and any decent employer will respect you for being responsible about it.

3. Keep Records: If you raised an issue, jot down what was said and when. For example, write an email summary: “Thanks for chatting with me on Tuesday about my payslip. I understand you’ll look into the missing 4 hours overtime and add it next pay.” This creates a paper trail. You can cc a personal email if it’s your work address. This isn’t being paranoid; it’s being prudent, especially if the issue doesn’t get fixed and you need to escalate it later. Also, this way you won’t forget what was promised.

4. Follow Up: If the next pay comes and the correction isn’t made (or you keep noticing issues), politely follow up with your employer. Give them a chance to fix it. Sometimes businesses have cash flow issues and delay payments; it’s not right, but communicating will usually get it sorted. However, if you get the runaround or feel you’re being ignored, then step 5 is important.

5. Get Outside Help: You have options if your employer doesn’t resolve the problem. The Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) is the government body that helps employees with pay and entitlements issues. You can confidentially contact FWO for advice or to make a complaint if needed. They have a lot of information and even a special section for young workers and students. FWO can investigate employers who fail to pay correctly, and there are hefty penalties for things like deliberate underpayment or not providing payslips. For serious underpayment (wage theft), your state might also have laws to protect you. But legal action is a last resort; often, just mentioning “I might call Fair Work for advice” can spur a slow employer into action, because they know the rules. Additionally, if you’re part of a union (some industries have them, like retail or hospitality unions), you can ask the union for help – they advocate on your behalf. Being a union member isn’t common for many school leavers, but it’s worth knowing.

6. Talk to Your Support Network: Don’t keep money worries to yourself. If you’re in SLES, tell your Youth Coach at Next Gen Youth Employment that you think something’s off with your pay – we deal with these situations regularly and can help you navigate the conversation or find the right info. Parents and carers can also provide guidance or even help speak to the employer if needed (with your consent). The goal is not to “fight” your battles for you, but to back you up and give you confidence that you have rights and deserve fair treatment. Sometimes just role-playing the discussion with a coach first can reduce your anxiety significantly.

Stay Calm and Professional: The prompt literally said “without panic,” and that’s key. Mistakes in payslips are usually administrative slip-ups, not personal attacks. Approach it like you would a wrong order at a cafe – politely point it out and give them a chance to fix it. Getting angry or accusatory might put your boss on the defensive; staying calm keeps the relationship positive while you assert your needs. Most employers will appreciate your honesty and maturity in raising the issue. It shows attention to detail.

Know the Warning Signs: While we’ve focused on good employers who correct mistakes, be aware there are some red flags. If you never receive a payslip or your boss insists on paying “cash in hand” without records, that’s a problem. If they refuse to give your tax or super, or tell you not to worry about a TFN, that’s not okay. If you suspect you’re being underpaid systematically (like you discover your coworkers at the same level earn more, or you’re being paid below minimum wage), you can call Fair Work and they’ll help figure it out. You do not need to suffer in silence or feel grateful “just to have a job” to the point of accepting illegal pay. You deserve both respect and the correct pay – they go hand in hand.

Encouragement: Handling a pay issue can be a big learning moment. The first time you notice and resolve a mistake, you’ll gain so much confidence. You’ll realise you can advocate for yourself. This is HUGE for young people with disability (and anyone, really). It proves that you understand your worth. Next Gen Youth Employment was created to empower you in exactly these moments – so you never feel alone dealing with a tricky situation at work. Use us as a sounding board anytime.

In summary, if something doesn’t add up, take action: check, ask, record, follow up, escalate if needed. By doing so, you protect your rights and earnings. And each time, it gets easier.

Building Confidence with Money (You’ve Got This!)

The goal of this guide isn’t to turn you into an accountant or financial guru overnight. It’s to show you that you are capable of understanding and managing the basic money matters that come with a job. With the right support and information, young people with disability can absolutely handle payslips, taxes, and budgets – and doing so will boost your independence and confidence.

Think about it: mastering these “money basics” is a life skill that will serve you forever. The first payslip you decode might lead to the first budget you plan. The first conversation you have with HR about correcting your pay might give you the confidence to speak up in other areas of life. Each step is building your self-reliance.

School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES) exists to provide exactly this kind of capacity building. In fact, SLES is often described as a bridge between school and work that focuses on building skills, independence, and confidence for young people with disabilities. Through SLES with a provider like Next Gen Youth Employment, you might work on things like understanding workplace expectations, practicing public transport, or yes – learning to manage your pay and money. Next Gen Youth Employment’s SLES program offers personalized guidance as you explore career paths, gain essential skills, and land your first job. We pair each participant with a dedicated Youth Coach who can walk beside you every step of the way, answering questions and helping you problem-solve in real situations.

Money topics can be intimidating at first, but knowledge is power. By reading this article, you’ve taken an important step. Keep learning bit by bit – maybe next you’ll try making a simple budget for yourself, or use online tools to track your spending. Develop a savings habit, even if it’s $5 a week, to build financial resilience. Celebrate your successes: when you check your payslip and find everything correct, give yourself credit for that competency. Not everyone takes the time to understand these things – but you are, and that’s awesome.

If you’re a parent or carer reading this with your young person, remember to involve them in these processes. Let them take the lead in filling out their TFN form or checking the bank app for their pay – with your support as a safety net. This builds their confidence. As our earlier Next Gen guide for parents noted, it’s about “supporting without taking over” – empowering the young person to do it, not doing it all for them.

Above all, know that you’re not alone. Help is available, and asking for help when you need it is a strength, not a weakness. Whether it’s clarifying something you don’t understand or seeking assistance to fix an issue, there are people in your corner – your family, mentors, Next Gen Youth Employment coaches, and various organizations. Even the government agencies like the ATO and Fair Work have phone lines that are generally helpful to newbies with questions.

Every successful journey into employment is built on small victories. Today you might have learned what “gross pay” means; tomorrow you might apply for your TFN by yourself; next month you might teach a friend what superannuation is! Each of these is a victory in financial literacy.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

At Next Gen Youth Employment, we’re dedicated to helping young people with disability transition confidently from school to work – money matters included. We hope this guide has demystified some of the confusing terms on your payslip and eased any anxiety about your first job’s admin tasks. If you have more questions, or if you want personalized support in building these skills, we can help.

Contact Next Gen Youth Employment for more information and assistance. Whether you’re just leaving school or already in a job and needing guidance, our friendly team of Youth Coaches is here to support you and your family. We can work through your questions one-on-one, provide additional resources, or even advocate on your behalf if you’re facing challenges at work.

Ready to boost your confidence and independence in your employment journey? Get in touch with Next Gen Youth Employment today to find out how our SLES program and services can empower you. You don’t have to navigate it all alone – we’re here to help you thrive in your first job and beyond.