How to Find Your Lost and Unclaimed Super Funds

Superannuation is a mandatory Australian retirement savings system where employers contribute a percentage of an employee’s earnings into a superannuation fund. Individuals often accumulate multiple super accounts due to job changes or fund mergers. Locating and managing these accounts is important for retirement financial security.

Finding Superannuation Through MyGov

The primary method for locating lost superannuation funds is through MyGov, the Australian government’s online portal. If you do not have a MyGov account, create one on the MyGov website by following the registration prompts. This process requires providing personal identification details to verify identity.

After establishing a MyGov account, link it to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). Within the MyGov portal, navigate to the ‘Services’ section and select the option to ‘Link another service,’ choosing the ATO from the available list. The ATO linking process requires specific information for verification, such as a Tax File Number (TFN), details from a recent notice of assessment, or a payslip.

Once the ATO is linked to MyGov, access your superannuation details directly through the portal. From the ATO section within MyGov, locate the ‘Super’ tab. This area displays a comprehensive list of all super accounts associated with your TFN, including active accounts, lost super held by the ATO, and accounts with super funds. The displayed information includes the fund name, account number, and current balance.

Other Ways to Locate Your Super

While MyGov provides a centralized method for finding superannuation, alternative approaches can be effective if your search does not yield all expected results. One method involves directly contacting previous employers. Employers are legally obligated to make superannuation contributions and maintain records. You can inquire about the superannuation fund used during your employment, requesting details such as the fund’s name and your member number.

Another approach is to directly contact superannuation funds if you remember a fund’s name or have old statements. Funds can assist in locating accounts using personal identifiers. When contacting a fund, be prepared to provide information such as your full name, date of birth, Tax File Number, and any previous addresses. This information helps the fund verify identity and search their records.

Reviewing old personal documents can uncover forgotten superannuation details. Payslips, employment contracts, annual financial statements, or old superannuation statements can list the fund name, account numbers, or employer contribution details.

What to Do After Finding Your Super

Upon locating all superannuation accounts, review the details of each identified fund. This allows you to confirm account balances, identify any lost or inactive accounts, and understand the current status of your retirement savings.

A common action after finding multiple super accounts is to consolidate them into a single fund. This process, often called ‘rolling over’ super, can be initiated directly through the MyGov portal once all accounts are visible. Alternatively, you can choose a preferred superannuation fund and contact them to request assistance in consolidating other accounts. The chosen fund will manage the transfer process on your behalf, requiring authorization and identity verification.

Before consolidating, consider factors associated with each superannuation fund. Some funds may offer specific insurance coverage that could be lost upon transferring. Different funds also have varying fee structures, including administration, investment, and exit fees, which can impact the overall growth of retirement savings.