Transitioning from Defence starts with understanding your options
Your financial transition checklist
Every transition journey is different, but most involve similar decisions and milestones.
Use this checklist to help stay organised and focused on what matters most.
12+ months before leaving
-
Consider your goals after Defence
-
Talk with your partner or family
-
Review your finances
-
Understand your super and benefits
-
Explore transition support services
6 months before leaving
-
Assess your future income and expenses
-
Model different financial scenarios
-
Review your insurance arrangements
-
Gather important documents
-
Explore veteran support resources
3 months before leaving
-
Complete claims and paperwork
-
Finalise key financial arrangements
-
Research support pathways
-
Understand your leave and post-service options
Final month
-
Update your personal details
-
Confirm final transition requirements
-
Connect with post-service support
-
Keep key contacts and records handy
After transition
-
Review your income and spending
-
Reassess your goals
-
Stay connected to support networks
-
Monitor your super, retirement plans and insurance cover
Need more help?
The ADF Transition Guide is a free mobile app to support Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel, Defence families, friends and support persons understand and navigate the transition journey from service to civilian life.
Key things to review before you leave
Transition is a good time to review your financial position and make sure you understand how today’s decisions may affect your future.
Even small actions now can make a meaningful difference later.
Review your super
Check your balance, contributions and statements so you understand your current position.
Review your investment option (if available)
If your scheme offers investment choice, make sure your investment settings suit your goals, time horizon and comfort with risk.
Review your insurance cover (ADF Super members)
Leaving Defence may change your insurance arrangements.
While serving, eligible members may be covered by ADF Cover. After leaving the ADF, eligible ADF Super members may automatically move to lifePLUS Protect auto, which provides Death and Total and Permanent Disablement (TPD) cover.
If you want to change or add cover—including Income Protection—you may be able to apply through lifePLUS Protect choice.
Understanding what cover you may have before and after transition can help you make more informed decisions for yourself and your family.
ADF Cover while you serve
lifePLUS Protect after you leave
Our Insurance and your ADF Super booklet can be found at our ADF Product Disclosure Statement page.
Update your beneficiaries (ADF Super members)
Major life changes are a good time to review nominations.
Are you a Defined Benefit member? Scheme rules determine who receives your benefit when you die.
Tools to help you plan
The more you understand now, the easier it can be to make informed decisions later.
Use these tools to explore scenarios, understand your options and plan ahead with confidence.
Retirement Ready modules and workbooks
Practical modules and guided workbooks to help you build confidence as you prepare for retirement.
Retirement ReadyBook a one-on-one consultation
Speak with someone who understands.Get general guidance from a CSC educator who understands Defence careers, super and transition. Book today
Tools and calculators
Use calculators to understand contributions, balances and future scenarios. Tools and calculatorsWebinars and education
Join live or on-demand sessions covering super, retirement and financial wellbeing, including on-base education sessions for current serving members preparing for transition.
WebinarsWhere to go for support
Transition can involve multiple organisations, services and support networks.
Knowing where to go for the right help can make the process feel simpler and less overwhelming.
Here’s a quick guide to who can help with what.
I need help with transition planning
The Joint Transition Authority (JTA) provides practical tools and guidance to help you prepare for civilian life, including planning resources, checklists and the Transition App.
Best for:
- transition planning including transition app
- employment pathways
- education and training
- preparing for life after Defence
I need help understanding my super or retirement options
I need help with compensation, rehabilitation or veteran services
Medical transition support
Medical transition can be one of the most complex pathways out of Defence.
You may be navigating:
- medical assessments
- compensation claims
- benefit decisions
- changing income
- uncertainty about future work.
This can feel overwhelming for both members and families.
Accessing the right support early can help reduce uncertainty and make decision-making easier.
Advocacy and claims support
Claims and entitlements can feel complex.
The right support can help you better understand:
- processes
- paperwork
- evidence requirements
- support pathways.
A good advocate should be experienced, transparent and focused on your best interests.
Real Stories. Practical support.
Navigating the claims process
Learn more about Navigating the claims processA new agency focused on veteran and family wellbeing
Learn more about A new agency focused on veteran and family wellbeingWhen Defence transition becomes a family transition
Learn more about When Defence transition becomes a family transitionThings I wish I’d known before transition
Learn more about Things I wish I’d known before transitionTranslating ADF skills to civilian life
Learn more about Translating ADF skills to civilian lifeWhy understanding your partner’s super matters
Learn more about Why understanding your partner’s super matters
Transition affects the whole family
Transition rarely affects just one person.
Partners and families often help navigate financial changes, housing decisions, career shifts and caring responsibilities.
Planning together can help everyone feel more informed and supported.
You may want to talk about things like:
- What could our finances look like after Defence?
- How might our income change?
- What support may we need?
- What does life after service look like for us?
Stay connected
Get practical guidance, financial wellbeing resources, webinars and community stories delivered straight to your inbox.
Need personalised support?
You don’t have to navigate transition alone.
Whether you need help understanding your super, modelling future scenarios or planning for retirement, support is available.
Our Comprehensive Financial Advisers are authorised to provide advice by Guideway Financial Services (ABN 46 156 498 538, AFSL 420367). Guideway is a licensed financial services business providing CSC Comprehensive Financial Advisers with support to provide members with specialist advice, education and strategies.