Decide where the new employer should pay
Starting a new job does not usually mean starting a new super account. You can generally nominate an eligible fund using a standard choice form. If you do not make a choice, your employer may need to request details of an existing “stapled” fund from the ATO before using its default fund.
Before completing payroll forms, find the fund name, unique superannuation identifier and member number on a recent statement or in your fund app. Do not rely on an old employer’s paperwork. A transposed member number or outdated product name can cause rejected or delayed payments.
Read the pay offer carefully
Ask whether the advertised salary is “plus super” or a total package that includes super. Two offers with the same headline number can produce different take-home pay when one includes employer super inside the package. Also check whether an award, enterprise agreement or workplace policy provides more than the legal minimum.
From 1 July 2026, Payday Super means contributions are made at the same time as salary or wages and generally need to reach the fund within seven business days. Your payslip shows what payroll calculated; the fund transaction history shows what was actually received. Check both after the first few pay cycles.
Review cover before closing an old account
A job change can alter your insurance needs and your occupation classification. Moving from office work to manual or hazardous duties may affect premiums, exclusions or eligibility. If an old account contains life, disability or income-protection cover, find out exactly when it would end before consolidating.
Keep a personal email address and mobile number on the account rather than work contact details that will disappear when you leave. This is also a good time to update beneficiaries and download statements, insurance schedules and contribution records from any employer portal you are about to lose access to.
Quick reference
Key things to remember
- Check whether super is included in or added to the salary being offered.
- Give payroll the correct fund name, USI and member number.
- Review insurance if your occupation, income or duties change.
- Keep your email, mobile number and beneficiaries current.
Put it into practice
Your next steps
- 01
Download a recent fund statement before your old work email is closed.
- 02
Compare your first payslip with the contribution that reaches your account.
- 03
Close duplicate accounts only after checking insurance and other benefits.
- 04
Ask payroll quickly if the fund details are wrong.
Check the source
Official information
Super and tax rules change. These primary sources are the right place to verify the details before you act.