Omari Gates
Australians have around $17.8 billion in lost and unclaimed superannuation. If you think you have lost super, you can find it online through the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) by logging into your myGov account and linking it to the ATO. You can also use the ATO app or fill out a paper form. You will need your Tax File Number (TFN) and, if you want to transfer your unclaimed super to your preferred super fund, your super fund membership number. If you can't register for a myGov account, your super fund can search for lost super on your behalf.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Lost super search tools | ATO and AUSfund |
| Lost super search line phone number | 13 28 65 |
| Customer care representative phone number | 13 10 20 |
| Amount of lost and unclaimed super by Australians | $17.8 billion |
| Website to find lost super | my.gov.au |
| Website to find other unclaimed money | Australian Securities and Investments Commission’s Unclaimed Money Search |
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What You'll Learn
Use the ATO's superannuation search tool
If you think you have lost super, the first step is to check your ATO online account through myGov. To do this, you will need to create a myGov account and link it to the ATO. Once you have done this, you can log in and select 'Super' to view your super accounts and keep track of your superannuation.
If you are unable to register for a myGov account, your super fund can search for lost and unclaimed super on your behalf. You can contact myGov to find out how to do this. Alternatively, you can call the ATO lost super search line on 13 28 65, but you will need your tax file number.
If you cannot see your lost super on your ATO online account, it may be because the ATO does not have all your details. In this case, you should contact any previous super funds to see if they hold super for you. If they do not, ask if they have transferred any of your super to the ATO.
Super can be transferred to the ATO as unclaimed super if a super fund doesn't have access to your current contact information. When super funds pay unclaimed super to the ATO, they try to find out who it belongs to. If they cannot match super to an individual, it is held by the ATO as 'unmatched' super until more information is received.
If you have multiple super accounts, you can transfer all your money into one fund to save on fees.
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Contact your previous super funds
If your lost super is not in your Australian Taxation Office (ATO) online account, you should contact your previous super funds. Super is often held by the fund into which it was paid and can remain idle, especially if the fund cannot contact you. This is commonly referred to as lost super.
Before you contact your previous super funds, make sure they have your correct contact details. You can update your contact details in myGov by signing in, selecting 'My Account', then 'Profile', followed by 'Contact details', and then 'Edit' on the details you want to update. Select 'Update' when you have finished adding your details.
You can also ask your super provider for information about fees or charges that may apply, or any other information about the effect a transfer may have on your benefits, such as insurance cover. Before making a decision to combine your super, consider any fees or charges that may apply, and the effect a transfer may have on benefits in your other fund, such as insurance cover.
To find lost super online, you will need a myGov account linked to the ATO. Once you link your myGov account, you can also use the ATO app. The super health check includes step-by-step instructions on looking for lost super, consolidating, and preventing lost super. You can also download the Super health check (NAT 75486, PDF 204 KB). If you cannot register for a myGov account, your super fund can search for lost and unclaimed super on your behalf.
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Update your contact details
To find lost super in Australia, you need to link your myGov account to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). You can then use the ATO app or log in to my.gov.au to search for lost super.
To avoid losing your super in the future, make sure your super funds and the ATO have your correct contact details. You can update your contact details in myGov by following these steps:
- Sign in to your myGov account.
- Select 'My account' and then 'Profile'.
- Select 'Contact details'.
- Choose the 'Edit' option on the details you want to update.
- Once you have finished updating, select 'Update' to save the changes.
You can also check that your employer is paying your super by using ATO online services through myGov or the ATO app to view contributions made to your super fund. Alternatively, you can contact your employer or view your member statement from your super fund.
If you are unable to register for a myGov account, your super fund can search for lost super on your behalf.
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Use the ATO app
If you're looking to find lost super in Australia, one of the ways to do this is by using the ATO app. The ATO (Australian Taxation Office) has a superannuation search tool to help you find any lost or unclaimed super.
To use the ATO app, you will first need to set up a myGov account and link it to the ATO. You can then log in to your myGov account and select 'Super' to access your ATO online account. If you think your lost super is not in your ATO online account, you can contact your previous super funds.
The super health check on the ATO app provides step-by-step instructions on looking for lost super, consolidating, and preventing lost super. The app also allows you to check if your employer is paying your super by viewing the contributions they have made to your super fund.
To use the ATO's superannuation search tool, you generally need your Tax File Number (TFN). If you want to transfer your unclaimed super to your preferred super fund, you will also need your super fund membership number.
It is important to keep your contact details updated with your super funds and the ATO to avoid losing your super in the future. You can update your contact details in the ATO app or on the myGov website.
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Ask your super provider about fees or charges
When it comes to finding lost super in Australia, there are several steps you can take. Firstly, you can use the Australian Taxation Office's (ATO) online services by creating a myGov account and linking it to the ATO. Alternatively, you can utilise the lost super search tools provided by the ATO and AUSfund.
Before consolidating your super, it is important to consider any associated fees or charges and how they may impact your benefits. Understanding the fees charged by your super provider is crucial in making informed decisions about your superannuation. Here are some key points to consider:
Understanding Superannuation Fees
Superannuation fees cover the costs of managing and investing your funds, including administration, investments, and insurance. These fees can be either a dollar amount, a percentage, or both, and are typically deducted monthly or after specific actions such as switching investments. All super funds charge fees, and generally, lower fees are more advantageous.
Types of Fees
Super funds may offer additional services that incur special fees. For example, financial advice or assistance with splitting super after a separation may come with a cost. Some providers charge a fee for switching investment options or buy/sell spread fees, which cover the difference between buying and selling prices. Additionally, if you require personal advice regarding your super and investments, some providers may charge a one-off fee.
Insurance Fees
If your super account includes insurance, you will likely pay a monthly premium based on factors such as age, cover amount, and insurance category. There may also be an insurance administration fee, which helps cover the costs of managing your insurance. Understanding these fees is essential, as they can impact your overall superannuation balance over time.
Impact of Fees on Superannuation Balance
The fees associated with your superannuation can significantly impact your long-term savings. For example, consider the case of Savannah, who, by switching to a fund with lower fees, is projected to have $81,000 more in her superannuation balance at age 65. This highlights the importance of considering the fees charged by different super providers and choosing a fund that aligns with your financial goals.
Seeking Information from Your Super Provider
To make informed decisions about your super, it is essential to ask your super provider for detailed information about any fees or charges that may apply. Understanding these fees will help you evaluate the potential impact on your benefits, including insurance cover. By comparing fund performance, fees, and other factors, you can ensure that you are getting the most out of your superannuation and maximizing your retirement savings.
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Frequently asked questions
You can find your lost super online by using the ATO's superannuation search tool. You will need a myGov account linked to the ATO. If you don't have a myGov account, your super fund can search for lost super on your behalf.
Generally, all you need is your Tax File Number (TFN). If you want to transfer your unclaimed super to your preferred super fund, you will also need your super fund membership number.
Lost super is commonly referred to as small and inactive accounts—those with less than $6,000 that haven't received a contribution in 16 months. These accounts are transferred to the ATO, which attempts to match the funds with an active account.
