Cash-In-Hand Employment

While it is not unlawful to be paid in cash, a ‘cash-in-hand’ job usually means that there is no official record of the employment relationship. When you have a cash-in-hand job, your employer may not be withholding tax from your pay, which is against the law.

Usually those being paid cash-in-hand are also often underpaid, not receiving payslips or superannuation and struggle to prove that they were employed and worked all the hours they say they worked if they decide to make a complaint about their employment. Think about these issues before you accept a cash-in-hand job and try to keep as much evidence as possible about all the hours you work.

For more information about cash in hand employment, we recommend you download the ‘Cash in Hand Employment,’ Fact Sheet.

Need legal advice?

We know that international students may be more vulnerable to accepting cash-in-hand jobs. If you are an international student and would like to make an appointment for free and confidential legal advice about your work rights with the International Students Employment and Accommodation Legal Service, please contact the Study Melbourne Student Centre by calling 1800 056 449 or emailing info@studymelbourne.vic.gov.au.

For further support

Call our Telephone Information Service on Melbourne Metro (03) 9662 1933 or Regional Victoria, Queensland and Tasmania on 1800 331 617.