Thousands of people with intellectual disabilities who want to work and put money away for their retirement are unable to because they do not receive superannuation.

Superannuation rules brought in to protect businesses mean that those earning less than $450 a month do not qualify for superannuation payments.

The rules have consequences for much of the disabled workforce.

Emma White, 30, has Down's Syndrome and wants to work more, but at the moment she does not earn enough to get super.

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She is just starting a traineeship, but her mother Judy is worried about the longer term.

"It's a great unknown. It's something we just have no idea how that will work out," she said.

"It's alright while we are here, advocating for her. Once we are not here, I am sure that will all just fall into a heap."

The Endeavour Foundation is the largest employer of people with intellectual disabilities in Australia.

It pays its staff members' superannuation, but CEO David Barbagallo says it is tough for disabled workers out in the open job market.

"The most financially vulnerable people are not having a little bit put away for a time when they most [need it]," he said.

Mr Barbagallo says the Government needs to change the laws.

"I think the time has come for a much more detailed and sophisticated and uniform approach to the needs of everyone in our community from a superannuation policy perspective," he said.

Minister for Superannuation Bill Shorten concedes there is a problem.

"In this very generous country of ours, we are capable of finding better answers than we currently do," he said.

He says superannuation concessions were brought in to spare business from red tape, and apply to all low-earning workers.

But he says the provisions may have had unintended consequences for workers with disabilities.

"Government can't fix everyone's problems. I think we need to get business realising that employing people with intellectual disabilities is easier than it looks," he said.

The Federal Government has said it will work with unions and employers to seek a solution.

Dr Karen Moni, from the University of Queensland, is leading a research project to determine the extent of the problem.

She says people with intellectual disabilities want jobs that are secure and meaningful.

"Certainly there is a lot of work experience, short-term experience. But, I guess what people are looking for is something which is more long term. Perhaps something that is more secure. But also something that gives them job satisfaction," she said.

The worries remain for parents like Judy White.

She hopes her daughter and other workers with disabilities will be given more opportunity to work towards a secure retirement.

"Unless the families can leave enough money behind, which is becoming less and less viable, they are on their own," she said.

"The community will then have to support them."