Answer
Lightning Payroll fully supports the ATO's SuperStream standard, enabling employers to send superannuation registration and contribution messages directly to Australian super funds via our SuperStream gateway partner, Ozedi. This makes Lightning Payroll a complete, standalone solution for meeting your super obligations.
What Is SuperStream?
SuperStream is a mandatory Australian Government standard that requires super contributions to be sent electronically in a consistent and secure format. It ensures that both the data and payment reach the employee's super fund efficiently.
Do I Need a Clearing House to Comply with SuperStream?
No. While using a clearing house is one way to comply with SuperStream, it is not required. The ATO allows several electronic options to meet SuperStream obligations, including:
- A compliant payroll system (like Lightning Payroll)
- A super fund's online system
- A commercial super clearing house
- The Small Business Superannuation Clearing House (SBSCH)
- A messaging portal
Lightning Payroll falls into the first category - a compliant payroll system capable of sending all required SuperStream registration and contribution messages without the need for a clearing house. This direct integration helps you avoid delays, extra registration processes, or third-party fees often associated with clearing house services.
You can verify Lightning Payroll's compliance on the official ATO SuperStream Certified Product Register.
Lightning Payroll's SuperStream Process
The recommended workflow is a three-step process run from the Pays screen after completing each pay run. From 1 July 2026, Payday Super is mandatory and contributions must reach the fund within 7 business days of payday.
Before You Begin
Make sure your super setup is complete. For instructions, see How Do I Check If I Am Set Up For Super?
Step-by-Step Overview
- Create Deposits: After completing a pay run, click Payday Super on the Pays toolbar. Set the Payment Date, select the pays to include, and click Create. Lightning Payroll validates your setup and flags any issues such as missing member numbers, no primary fund, or invalid USI details.
- Send SuperStream Messages: Once deposits are created you are taken to the SuperStream Summary screen. Click Send Messages to transmit the super contribution data to the relevant funds via Ozedi. Lightning Payroll waits for Ozedi to confirm each message has been accepted before unlocking the payment step.
- Make the Payment: After all messages are accepted, complete the payment using your configured method:
- Direct Credit (ABA/XML): Click Create Direct Entry Payment File to generate and download the bank file, then upload it to your bank.
- PayTo via Ozedi: Ozedi automatically debits your approved bank account - no manual bank upload is required.
- PayID via Ozedi: Click PayID Payment Report to see the Ozedi PayID email address and the exact amount to transfer from your bank.
Important: Creating deposits, sending SuperStream messages, and making the payment must all occur on the same day. Ensure you are ready to complete the full process before you begin.
Payment Method Setup
To set up PayTo or PayID for faster super payments, see How Do I Set Up Ozedi PayTo For Automatic Super Payments? and How Do I Set Up Ozedi PayID For PayDay Super?
Video Tutorial
For a quick visual demonstration, please watch the video below.
