Changing jobs is one of the most common triggers for losing track of super, ending up with multiple accounts, or accidentally giving up insurance cover. A few simple steps when you change employers can save you thousands of dollars in unnecessary fees and keep your super on track.
Step 1: Choose your super fund BEFORE you start
When you start a new job, your employer will give you a Superannuation Standard Choice Form. This is your chance to nominate your preferred fund. If you don't complete the form, your employer will either use their default fund (which may not be the best option for you) or, for new employees from November 2021, the ATO will "staple" you to your existing fund.
Step 2: Don't let a new account open by accident
Even with stapling, it's best to actively nominate your preferred fund. Complete the Standard Choice Form and provide your fund's details:
- Fund name
- USI (Unique Superannuation Identifier) — found on your fund's website or statements
- Member number
Give this to your employer's payroll team on or before your first day. Don't wait — the first SG payment is due within 28 days of the end of the quarter you start.
Step 3: Check your previous employer paid everything owed
Your previous employer is required to pay SG on your final pay (including any accrued leave paid out). Log into MyGov after leaving and check:
- SG has been paid on your final pay period
- SG has been paid on any annual/long service leave paid out on termination
- The total SG received matches 12% of your ordinary time earnings for your final period
Step 4: Consider consolidating
If you do end up with a new account from your previous employer, roll it into your preferred fund as soon as possible. Multiple accounts mean multiple fees. See our consolidation guide for the full process — it takes about 5 minutes through MyGov.
Step 5: Review your insurance
If you had insurance inside your old super fund and you close that account (by rolling over), your insurance in that fund is cancelled. Before consolidating, check:
- Does your new/preferred fund offer equivalent insurance cover?
- Will you need to undergo health assessments for new cover?
- Are there waiting periods for the new insurance?
If you have a health condition that might make it hard to get new insurance, consider keeping the old account open solely for the insurance — but weigh this against the ongoing fees.
Step 6: Update your beneficiary nomination
If you've consolidated into a single fund, make sure your beneficiary nomination is up to date in that fund. Nominations in closed accounts are meaningless — only the nomination in your active fund matters.
Checklist: changing jobs super to-do
| Action | When |
|---|---|
| Complete Standard Choice Form for new employer | Day 1 |
| Provide fund USI and member number to payroll | Day 1 |
| Check final SG paid by old employer | 28 days after quarter end |
| Consolidate any new accounts into preferred fund | Within 1 month of starting |
| Check insurance cover in receiving fund | Before consolidating |
| Update beneficiary nomination | After consolidating |