What Happens to Your Super When You Change Jobs or Go Contracting?
In Canberra, it’s common for professionals — especially those in or around the public service — to move between permanent APS roles, short-term contracts, or private-sector consulting. But when your employment changes, what actually happens to your super? It’s a question that can have a big impact on your retirement savings.
Here’s what you need to know.
1. Your super fund stays with you
When you change jobs, your super doesn’t automatically transfer to a new fund. Unless you specifically choose a different fund, your new employer will keep paying super into your existing account — provided you nominate it.
Australia’s “stapled super fund” system means that your chosen fund follows you across employers. So long as you give your new employer the correct details, your super continues without interruption.
2. Watch out for multiple super accounts
If you’ve switched jobs a few times and didn’t nominate a fund each time, you might have multiple super accounts — each charging fees and possibly insurance premiums.
Tip: Log in to myGov → ATO → Super to check how many accounts you have, and seek advice on the benefits of consolidating them based on your personal financial situation. This can save you money and simplify your retirement planning.
3. Public service super (PSS, CSS, or PSSap)
Many Canberra professionals are members of the PSS, CSS, or PSSap schemes.
PSS/CSS (Defined Benefit): When you leave the APS, your benefit is typically preserved until you retire. You can’t roll it into another fund while it’s preserved, but it will continue to grow with investment earnings.
PSSap (Accumulation): You can usually roll over your balance to a new fund if you move into contracting or private-sector work. However, be mindful of any insurance cover you may have - your insurance wont follow you to another fund.
Each scheme has different rules about preservation, contributions, and taxation — so getting personalised advice before changing roles is crucial.
4. Contractors still need to think about super
If you start contracting, you may need to handle your own super contributions — unless your contract is “wholly or principally for labour,” in which case the company hiring you may still be responsible for paying super.
If you’re fully independent, you can make personal (concessional) contributions and claim a tax deduction to stay on track for retirement.
5. Don’t forget your insurance
Super funds often include default life and TPD insurance. If your old employer stops contributing and you open a new account, your insurance in the old fund may lapse. Always check before closing or rolling over your fund to avoid losing valuable cover.
The Canberra context
Canberra’s workforce is uniquely mobile — professionals often move between APS roles, departments, and contract work. Each change can affect your super structure, insurance, and future retirement outcomes.
At Access Wealth Group, we help Canberra professionals and contractors keep their super working efficiently through every career change — whether you’re leaving the APS, taking a contract, or moving to the private sector.
Book a chat with us to make sure your super is set up correctly for your next move.
This article is of a general nature only and does not take into account your individual financial circumstances, objectives, or needs. It does not constitute personal financial advice. You should not act on any of the information provided without first seeking professional financial advice that considers your personal situation.