How to Find and Claim Lost Super
If you’ve ever worked in Australia – even for a short time – chances are your employer paid money into a superannuation fund on your behalf. This money is yours, yet many Australians lose track of it after changing jobs, names, or addresses. In fact, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) reports more than $17 billion in lost and unclaimed super nationwide. Many people are surprised to learn they have multiple super accounts or forgotten funds sitting idle. Making a claim and reuniting with this lost super could make a meaningful difference to your future retirement savings — and it’s easier to do than you might think.
What Is Superannuation and Why Does It Matter?
Superannuation (or “super”) is money set aside during your working life to help fund your retirement. Under Australian law, eligible employers must pay a portion of your income — known as the Superannuation Guarantee — into a registered super fund. That fund invests your contributions to help grow your balance over time.
You can generally access your super when you reach preservation age and retire (usually between 60 – 65 years old). In certain situations, such as severe financial hardship or permanent disability, you may be able to access part of it earlier.
Even if you don’t recall ever opening a super account, it’s possible one was created for you automatically when you started a job. That’s why checking for lost super is so important — it’s your money, waiting to be claimed.
Lost Super vs Unclaimed Super: What’s the Difference?
The ATO categorises untraced super funds as either lost or unclaimed:
- Lost Super: This occurs when your super fund can’t contact you. Maybe you changed your name, moved home, or switched jobs and forgot to update your details. Your account may also be considered “inactive” if it hasn’t received contributions or rollovers for a set period (usually five years).
- Unclaimed Super: If your fund can’t find you after a certain time, it may transfer your balance to the ATO for safekeeping. The money remains yours and continues to earn interest until you claim it.
Both lost and unclaimed super can be located and reclaimed.
How to Check if You Have Lost or Unclaimed Super
You don’t need to pay anyone or use a third party to find your super. The ATO provides several free, easy-to-use options:
- Online via myGov
The quickest method is through your myGov account, linked to the ATO.
- Log in to myGov (https://my.gov.au)
- Select ‘Super’ and then ‘Manage’
- You’ll see a list of all your active, lost, and ATO-held super accounts, along with balances
- By Phone
If you know your Tax File Number (TFN), you can call the ATO’s automated Super Search line on 13 28 65. For personal assistance, call 13 10 20. - By Mail
Download the “Searching for lost super” form from the ATO website, complete it, and post it to the address listed. - In Person
Visit your nearest Services Australia service centre. Staff can help you contact the ATO, access computers, or print forms to complete the process.
How to Claim Your Lost Super Once You Find It
After your search, the ATO will tell you whether your super is held by them or a super fund.
- If the ATO holds your super, they’ll provide instructions on how to claim it directly.
- If a super fund holds your super, they’ll share the fund’s contact details so you can arrange transfer or consolidation.
You’ll need to verify your identity before any money is released — this protects you from fraudulent claims. Identification such as a driver’s licence, Medicare card, or proof-of-age card is usually sufficient.
If your ID details don’t match, your super fund may accept alternative proof such as government letters, community ID, or a statement from a recognised authority.
Consolidating and Keeping Track of Your Super
Once you’ve located all your super accounts, consider consolidating them into a single fund. Doing so reduces duplicate fees and makes managing your retirement savings simpler.
You can consolidate directly through myGov or by contacting your preferred super fund — they can guide you through the process. Before merging, check for any:
- Insurance policies linked to each fund (these may be cancelled upon consolidation)
- Exit or transfer fees
- Employer contribution restrictions
To ensure you don’t lose track of your super again:
- Keep your contact details and tax file number up to date
- Review your super statements each year
- Download your fund’s mobile app for easy access
- Set a calendar reminder for an annual “super health check”
Common Questions About Lost Super
How long does it take to find my super?
Usually, results appear instantly through myGov, but paper forms may take several weeks to process.
Will I pay tax on my reclaimed super?
No — this is your own money being reunited with you. Normal superannuation tax rules continue to apply only when you withdraw funds after retirement.
Can someone help me with the process?
Absolutely. While the ATO services are free, you may prefer to speak with a financial adviser for help understanding how your recovered super fits into your broader retirement goals.
Why Tracking Down Lost Super Is Worth It
Finding and consolidating lost super isn’t just about tidying up your finances — it can make a real impact on your retirement lifestyle. Even a few thousand dollars found and invested early can grow substantially over time thanks to compound returns.
Let’s say you discover $5,000 in a lost account. If invested and left untouched for 25 years with an average return of 7% p.a., that balance could grow to more than $27,000. That’s money that could help you travel, enjoy your hobbies, or simply live more comfortably in retirement.
Reconnect With Your Super Today
Your super is one of the most valuable assets you’ll ever own — and every dollar counts. With billions of dollars still unclaimed across Australia, there’s never been a better time to check if some of this lost super is yours, and claim it.
At Priority Advisory Group, we help Australians take control of their finances — from locating lost super to building tailored retirement strategies that align with your lifestyle goals. Speak with a financial adviser at Priority Advisory Group today on 1300 349 188, or visit priorityag.com.au/contact to get started.