Changing jobs is a normal part of modern working life. Whether you’re pursuing a new opportunity, returning to work after parental leave, or shifting into a different industry, one important question often comes up: What happens to your super when you move to a new employer?
Superannuation might feel like something that sits in the background, but every job change is a moment to check in, tidy things up, and make sure your retirement savings stay on track.
Here’s what you need to know about how super works when you change jobs, your rights, and how to keep your super organised as your career evolves.
Your Super Is Yours, It Moves With You
One of the most important things to understand is that your super doesn’t “reset” when you start a new job. It belongs to you, and you can generally keep the same fund as you move from employer to employer.
Under the Australian Government’s stapled super fund rules introduced in 2021, your existing super fund is automatically “stapled” to you. This means your new employer must pay your super contributions into your current fund unless you actively choose a different one.
Choosing a Fund When You Start a New Job
When you begin a new role, your employer will ask you to nominate a super fund. You have two options:
- Use your existing fundThis helps you avoid accumulating multiple accounts and paying extra fees.
- Choose a new super fundYou may want different insurance options, lower fees, or a fund that aligns with your values.
If you don’t choose, your employer must check with the ATO to see if you have a stapled fund. Only if no stapled fund exists can they create a new account for you in their default fund.
What If You Already Have Multiple Super Accounts?
It’s common for women to accumulate multiple super accounts across different jobs, especially when career breaks, part-time work, or casual roles are involved. Multiple accounts mean multiple sets of fees and duplicated insurance, which can slowly reduce your balance over time.
This is why many people choose to consolidate their super when they change jobs.
You can consolidate through:
- Your myGov account linked to the ATO
- Your super fund (many offer consolidation tools)
The ATO outlines how to consolidate here.
Before consolidating, always check your existing insurance cover: closing an account may cancel insurance that you want to keep.
How Employer Contributions Work When You Move
When you change jobs, your new employer must start paying super once you meet eligibility rules. Your employer must contribute 12% of your ordinary time earnings if you are:
- Over 18, or
- Under 18 and working over 30 hours a week
You don’t need to notify your old employer, they simply stop contributing once your employment ends. Your new employer continues contributions into your chosen or stapled fund.
Learn more about superannuation requirements here.
Should You Review Your Super When You Change Jobs?
A job change is a great time to give your super a quick check-up. Even a few small adjustments now can make a significant difference to your retirement savings later.
Here are some things worth reviewing:
1. Your Fund’s Fees
Different funds charge different fees, and they all add up over time. Lower fees can mean more money stays invested for your future.
2. Your Investment Mix
Your super’s investment option influences how your savings grow. Many women find their investment settings were chosen years ago and no longer match their goals or risk comfort.
3. Insurance Cover
Super funds often include default income protection, TPD (Total and Permanent Disability) or life insurance. When changing jobs, especially moving from casual to full-time or vice versa, it’s worth checking the cover still suits your needs.
4. Lost or ATO-held Super
The ATO sometimes holds super for people who have inactive accounts, small balances, or outdated personal details. A quick check through myGov can show if any lost super belongs to you.
Read more on lost super here.
When Should You Consider Moving to a New Super Fund?
You don’t need to change super funds every time you change jobs, in fact, staying with the same fund is often simpler. But there are times when a switch is worth considering.
You might compare funds if:
- Your current fund’s fees are high
- You want stronger long-term performance
- Insurance offerings no longer meet your needs
- You prefer ethical or values-based investing
- You’ve changed industries or income levels
Before making a switch, check comparison tools and ensure you’re not losing important insurance benefits.
The government’s MoneySmart website offers guidance on comparing super funds.
A Job Change Is a Chance to Strengthen Your Future
Changing jobs often brings fresh energy, new routines, and exciting prospects, and it can also be a helpful prompt to reset and streamline your superannuation.
Taking a few small steps during this transition can help you:
- Reduce extra fees
- Keep your insurance organised
- Ensure contributions flow into the right account
- Build confidence about your financial future
Your super grows over decades, not days, and every decision you make now has the potential to support a more secure retirement later on. A job change isn’t just a career milestone, it’s an opportunity to bring your long-term financial wellbeing into focus and make sure your super keeps moving forward with you.
Want help taking control of your financial future? Download the eairwoman app. If you have any questions, you can contact us for support.
Disclaimer: Information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication. Information within the article is general only, not financial advice. We urge you to seek independence advice from a licenced Financial Advisor before making any investment or financial decisions.
