As of June 30, 2024, there was almost $17.8 billion of lost fund-held and ATO-held superannuation in Australia.
That’s billions of dollars sitting idle, potentially with your name on it!
If you’ve ever switched jobs, changed addresses, or simply lost track of super accounts, you could be part of this staggering statistic.
Here’s the good news: reclaiming lost super is easier than you might think!
If you’re wondering, “How can I find my lost superannuation?”—we have the answers!
How Can Super Be Lost?
“Lost super” refers to retirement savings that your fund has lost contact with you about.
This money is either sitting in inactive super accounts or held by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).
It’s still yours; it’s just waiting to be claimed.
Super can become “lost” if you have
- Switched jobs multiple times. When starting a new job, your employer may set up a default super account on your behalf instead of using your existing super fund without you even realising it.
- Worked temporary or casual jobs and weren’t aware that super contributions were being made on your behalf.
- Changed your name (e.g., after marriage or divorce) or contact details without updating your super fund, making it impossible for them to contact you.
- Not made contributions to your Australian super account for a long period of time, perhaps because you took a career break, became self-employed and didn’t continue making contributions, or moved overseas and lost track of super accounts.
Is Unclaimed Super the Same As Lost Super?
While the terms sound similar, “unclaimed super” and “lost super” aren’t exactly the same.
“Lost super” refers to super accounts where the fund has lost contact with you due to outdated contact details, inactivity, or any of the other reasons we just mentioned.
“Unclaimed super”, on the other hand, is money held by the ATO under certain conditions:
- If you reach retirement age but your super fund can’t contact you.
- If you’re a non-member spouse (entitled to receive a portion of your partner’s super benefits even though you’re separated or divorced and not a member of the super fund yourself).
- If you’re a deceased person’s beneficiary.
Lost and unclaimed super is still your money, and the steps to claim both are the same.
How To Find Lost Super
Via MyGov
If you haven’t already done so, create a myGov account.
Once signed into your myGov account, you’ll need to link it to the ATO.
- Follow the prompts to link to the ATO.
- Enter and confirm your personal details.
- Answer two questions about your tax record.
Once linked, you can use the ATO’s online services to search for any lost or unclaimed super tied to your Tax File Number (TFN).
Select “Super”, then “Fund Details” from the menu to see all your super accounts.
If you find multiple accounts, you can consolidate them by selecting “Manage”, then “Transfer Super”, and following the prompts.
Call the Lost Super Search Line
You can also find lost super by phoning the ATO’s automated lost super search line on 13 28 65.
You’ll need the following information on hand:
- Your name
- Date of birth
- TFN
- Visa holder status (if applicable)
- Daytime phone number
- Postal address
- Email address (if applicable)
- Super fund name and account number
- Beneficiaries
- Contributions period
- Previous name, address, and employment details
Fill Out the “Searching for Lost and Unclaimed Super” Form
Lastly, you can fill out the “Searching for Lost and Unclaimed Super” form from the ATO website.
Download the form, fill it out, and mail it to
Australian Taxation Office
PO Box 3578
Albury, NSW 2640
The ATO will conduct a thorough search for any super accounts linked to you and then contact you with their results.
Have Questions? We’re Here to Help You Find Your Super
“How can I find my lost superannuation?”
It’s easy! Just follow the instructions in this blog to search for your lost or unclaimed super through your myGov account, the ATO’s lost super search line, or their “Searching for Lost and Unclaimed Super” form.
Why is finding and claiming superannuation in Australia so important?
Reuniting with the super money you’ve earned significantly increases your total super balance and, in turn, your compound interest and savings.
Additionally, consolidating lost super into a single account reduces multiple fees, so more of your money stays invested.
At GeekBooks, we’re experts in all things super.
We can help you find lost or unclaimed super and then handle it strategically for maximum returns while complying with the latest super laws and regulations.
For tailored superannuation advice, contact the GeekBooks team today by completing this online booking form or calling 02 9158 3591.