$16 billion in lost and unclaimed superannuation
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has revealed that there is $16 billion in lost and unclaimed superannuation across Australia.
The ATO is urging Australians to check their myGov accounts for their lost and unclaimed superannuation.
How to search for your lost and unclaimed superannuation
You can either search:
Searching on myGov
Log in to your myGov account linked to the ATO and click manage my super
If you are not already registered for myGov, click here.
Lost super search line
Individuals and agents can complete a super search by phoning the ATO automated superannuation search line on 132865
Be prepared to provide the following information upon request:
- Personal Details:
- Tax File Number (TFN)
- Full Name
- Date of Birth
- Visa Holder Status (if applicable)
- Contact Details
- Current Postal Address
- Daytime Phone Number
- Email Address
- Superannuation Fund Details
- Superannuation Fund Name
- Account Number
- Beneficiaries
- Period of Contributions
Complete a paper form
You can download and complete the searching for lost and unclaimed superannuation form here
After you complete the form, send it to the ATO at:
Who can have lost superannuation?
A superannuation fund will report you as a lost member if either:
- they have been unable to contact you
- they have not received any contributions or rollover amounts for you in the last five years
- your account was transferred from another fund as a lost ember account and no new address has been found
The ATO maintains a register of reported lost members but the superannuation fund still holds your money.
Who can have unclaimed superannuation?
Superannuation funds are required to report and pay unclaimed superannuation money to the ATO twice a year.
the following are the unclaimed monies that the ATO may hold on your behalf:
- Unclaimed superannuation money for:
- a member 65 years old or older
- a non-member spouse
- a deceased member
- unclaimed superannuation money of former temporary residents
- certain accounts belonging to lost members:
- lost accounts with balances of less than $6,000 (small lost member accounts)
- lost accounts which have been inactive for a period of five years and have insufficient records to ever identify the owner (insoluble lost member accounts)
- accounts that are inactive low-balance accounts
If you’re unsure whether or not to consolidate your accounts, this is a very important decision and you should consult with your financial advisor. It is important for you to understand whether there are any insurance policies held in the super fund or exit fees, before you close the fund.
For information on how to manage your super and view all your super accounts, including lost and unclaimed super, visit ato.gov.au/checkyoursuper
Have a question? Contact us!