How do I find my lost superannuation?

Your superannuation is one of the most important assets you own, providing the money you need to enjoy a financially secure retirement. But if you’ve changed jobs or even moved house, you could have lost or unclaimed super out there somewhere just waiting to be found. Here's how.

Can I find my super with my tax file number?

1. Create a myGov account

• Start with your myGov account, linked to the Australian Tax Office (ATO). You may have one already – many people use this to file their tax returns
• You can also complete a form or contact the ATO's lost super line at 13 28 65 (have your TFN handy).

2. View all your super accounts

• Under the Super tab and Fund details, view a list of all your super funds and their respective balances – this is where you may find lost funds you'd forgotten about.

3. Identify missing super

• Review your list of funds to see if any lost or old funds are listed.
• Ideally you want 1 super fund, as each fund you belong to charges fees. Review your super funds to see which ones can be rolled over into your preferred super account.

4. Locate ATO-held super

• Discover any super funds the ATO may hold for you, especially if your account has been inactive with a balance below $6,000. When you sign in to myGov and navigate to Australian Taxation Office, then select Super and then Fund details, any ATO-held funds will be listed here.

5. Consolidate multiple super accounts

• If you have multiple super accounts, consider consolidating them into one. This not only saves on fees but also makes managing your super easier.

How does super become lost?

Keeping track of your super isn’t always an easy task. If you’ve changed jobs, changed your name or address or even done some casual or part-time work, there’s a chance you may have lost track of some of your super.

Here's how it can happen:

• Job changes: Starting a new job without "rolling over" your super can result in lost accounts, especially if each employer contributes to a different fund.
• Moving homes: Failing to update your address with your super fund could mean missing out on vital communication, leading your super to become lost.
• Name changes: If you've changed your name, for instance, after marriage, and haven't notified your fund, it may no longer be able to match its records to you.

These common life events can make it challenging for your super fund to keep in touch, turning your active super into lost super.

Superannuation can slip through the cracks during life's transitions, but understanding the difference between lost and unclaimed super can help you reclaim what's yours.

Finder survey: How do Australians rate the diffculty of finding lost super?

Difference between lost and unclaimed super

What does the ATO do with unclaimed super?

According to the ATO, as of September 2024, there was $17.8 billion in lost or unclaimed super logged with the tax office. This is an increase from $16 billion just 18 months earlier.

The ATO holds onto these funds, and it's relatively easy to get that money back if yours is in the mix, by following the steps listed above.

With the introduction of super stapling on 1 November 2021 – which helps your super account stays with you when you change jobs – the likelihood of losing track of your super funds has significantly dropped.

Instead of starting afresh with a new super account at each job, your existing super is "stapled" to you, reducing the chances of it becoming lost. Always remember to provide your super details when you start a new job to ensure your super continues to be stapled to you.

"Imagine how you'd feel if you suddenly realised you had $5,000 in a long lost savings account – you'd be over the moon! Finding lost super is the same thing, except you can't spend the money right away as it's locked away for retirement. There's billions of dollars sitting in lost super right now and that money is much better off in your account than sitting with the ATO – so set aside a few minutes to sort this out, and 'future you' will thank you!"

Sarah Megginson

Personal finance expert + Media spokesperson

How do I find my lost superannuation in Australia for free?

The best place to start is with your MyGov account, following the steps listed about. Some companies offer to find lost superannuation for a fee. However, it's recommended to start with the ATO and myGov for a more cost-effective approach.

This process only takes a few minutes, but the rewards can make it very worth your time. By tracking down and claiming lost super, you could be one step closer to building the retirement savings balance you need. According to the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia's (ASFA) Retirement Standard, if you’re a single person aged around 65, to enjoy a modest lifestyle in retirement you’ll need an annual income of $32,930. If you want a comfortable lifestyle, that figure rises to $51,814 per year.

If you hold multiple super accounts you’ll also be paying fees on multiple super accounts. And when you consider that your fund could charge anywhere between 0.5% and 1% (or even higher) of your balance each year in fees, it quickly becomes clear that it’s best to consolidate your super funds sooner rather than later.

Benefits of consolidating your super

• Reduce fees: Multiple super accounts means multiple sets of fees. Consolidation leads to paying a single set of fees, potentially saving you a significant amount over the long term.
• Simplify finances: Managing one account is easier than keeping track of several. It reduces paperwork and simplifies your financial oversight.
• Better investment tracking: With one account, it's easier to monitor your investment performance and adjust your strategy as needed.
• Streamlined insurance: Having all your super in one place means you have a single insurance policy, which could offer better rates and easier management.
• Avoid inactive account penalties: Consolidating can prevent your super from being transferred to the ATO as unclaimed money, avoiding potential penalties and fees for inactive accounts.
• Maximise compound interest: A consolidated super account may grow faster due to the power of compound interest on a larger balance.
• Reduce lost super risks: With only one account, you're less likely to lose track of your super in the future.

What to do before you consolidate your super

1. Review your insurance cover: Assess any insurance you have through your current fund, such as life, total and permanent disability (TPD) or income protection insurance. Changing funds could mean losing or altering this coverage, especially if you have pre-existing conditions or you're over 60.
2. Understand your super fund type: Super funds come in different types, like accumulation or defined benefits. If you're part of a defined benefits fund, get professional advice before leaving, as these can be particularly advantageous.
3. Choose the right fund: Don't automatically transfer your super to the account with the highest balance. Evaluate all options, including smaller accounts or a new fund entirely. The best choice might not be the most obvious one.
4. Notify your employer: Inform your employer about your chosen super fund to ensure your contributions are directed to the right place.
5. Seek independent advice: If you're uncertain about the implications of changing funds, especially regarding insurance, consider consulting a licensed financial adviser for guidance.

How to consolidate your super

Once you've made an informed decision, consolidating your super is straightforward:

• Use myGov: Log in to my.gov.au, link your account to the ATO and use the Super then Manage options to transfer your super.
• Direct contact: Reach out to your new fund directly for consolidation.
• ATO rollover form: Utilise an ATO rollover form for transferring balances.

Choosing a super fund to consolidate your super

Now that you know how to consolidate your super, compare the different super funds below to find the one that is right for you.

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1 - 10 of 551

Name	Last 1 year performance (p.a.)	Last 3 year performance (p.a.)	Last 5 year performance (p.a.)	Last 10 year performance (p.a.)	Fees on $50k balance (p.a.)
Promoted Promoted Australian Ethical Super - High Growth Green Company Ethical Higher risk	Last 1 year performance (p.a.) +15.37%	Last 3 year performance (p.a.) +4.84%	Last 5 year performance (p.a.) +8.44%	Last 10 year performance (p.a.) +8.52%	Fees on $50k balance (p.a.) $728	Go to siteMore Info Compare	This is a high-risk, high-growth option that invests in Australian and international shares, property and alternatives to provide long term growth.
Promoted Promoted UniSuper - High Growth Best Rated Brand Industry fund Higher risk	Last 1 year performance (p.a.) +16.34%	Last 3 year performance (p.a.) +6.2%	Last 5 year performance (p.a.) +9.09%	Last 10 year performance (p.a.) +10.04%	Fees on $50k balance (p.a.) $451	Go to siteMore Info Compare	This fund targets high growth over a long term horizon by investing in higher growth, higher risk assets such as Australian and international shares.
Virgin Money Super Indexed Overseas Shares Indexed investmentHigher risk	Last 1 year performance (p.a.) +29.11%	Last 3 year performance (p.a.) +11.73%	Last 5 year performance (p.a.) +13.36%	Last 10 year performance (p.a.) N/A	Fees on $50k balance (p.a.) $385	Go to siteMore Info Compare
Australian Retirement Trust - International Shares Index (unhedged) Finder Award Industry fundIndexed investmentHigher risk	Last 1 year performance (p.a.) +26.07%	Last 3 year performance (p.a.) +10.34%	Last 5 year performance (p.a.) +12.28%	Last 10 year performance (p.a.) +11.92%	Fees on $50k balance (p.a.) $192	Go to siteMore Info Compare
Virgin Money Super - LifeStage Tracker Lifestage	Last 1 year performance (p.a.) +15.61%	Last 3 year performance (p.a.) +6.76%	Last 5 year performance (p.a.) +8.11%	Last 10 year performance (p.a.) N/A	Fees on $50k balance (p.a.) $363	Go to siteMore Info Compare	Your fund's asset allocations adjust automatically as you age, offering you more growth opportunity when you're younger and lower-risk investments as you approach retirement.
Vanguard MySuper - Lifecycle Age 47 and under Lifestage	Last 1 year performance (p.a.) +16.44%	Last 3 year performance (p.a.) N/A	Last 5 year performance (p.a.) N/A	Last 10 year performance (p.a.) N/A	Fees on $50k balance (p.a.) $280	Go to siteMore Info Compare
Hostplus Indexed Balanced Industry fund	Last 1 year performance (p.a.) +14.22%	Last 3 year performance (p.a.) +6.59%	Last 5 year performance (p.a.) +7.63%	Last 10 year performance (p.a.) +7.75%	Fees on $50k balance (p.a.) $135	Go to siteMore Info Compare
HESTA Conservative Industry fund	Last 1 year performance (p.a.) +6.01%	Last 3 year performance (p.a.) +3.73%	Last 5 year performance (p.a.) +4.16%	Last 10 year performance (p.a.) +5.21%	Fees on $50k balance (p.a.) $357	Go to siteMore Info Compare
UniSuper - Sustainable Balanced Finder Award Best Rated Brand Industry fundEthical	Last 1 year performance (p.a.) +15.25%	Last 3 year performance (p.a.) +4.41%	Last 5 year performance (p.a.) +7.2%	Last 10 year performance (p.a.) +7.79%	Fees on $50k balance (p.a.) $316	Go to siteMore Info Compare
Vanguard Super SaveSmart - International Shares Higher risk	Last 1 year performance (p.a.) +28.23%	Last 3 year performance (p.a.) N/A	Last 5 year performance (p.a.) N/A	Last 10 year performance (p.a.) N/A	Fees on $50k balance (p.a.) $280	Go to siteMore Info Compare
HESTA Balanced Growth Industry fund	Last 1 year performance (p.a.) +11.03%	Last 3 year performance (p.a.) +5.7%	Last 5 year performance (p.a.) +7.06%	Last 10 year performance (p.a.) +7.72%	Fees on $50k balance (p.a.) $457	Go to siteMore Info Compare
Aware Super - Balanced Socially Conscious Finder Award Industry fundEthical	Last 1 year performance (p.a.) +14.68%	Last 3 year performance (p.a.) +6.36%	Last 5 year performance (p.a.) +8.14%	Last 10 year performance (p.a.) +7.94%	Fees on $50k balance (p.a.) $322	Go to siteMore Info Compare

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The information in this table is based on data provided by SuperRatings Pty Limited ABN 95 100 192 283, a Corporate Authorised Representative (CAR No.1309956) of Lonsec Research Pty Ltd ABN 11 151 658 561, Australian Financial Services Licence No. 421445. In limited instances, where data is not available from SuperRatings for a product, the data is provided directly by the superannuation fund.

*Past performance data and fee data is for the period ending December 2024

How to keep track of your super

There’s also plenty you can do to ensure that you don’t end up with lost or unclaimed super in the first place:

• Check your super statement. When your fund sends out your annual super statement, review all the information it contains to make sure it’s still correct. If there are any errors, for example, if you’ve changed your name and this is not reflected in the statement, contact your super fund and let it know.
• Choose a fund and stick with it. Many of us change jobs multiple times early in our careers, so it’s worth finding a super fund you like and then making sure each new employer pays contributions to the same fund. To do this, use the Superannuation standard choice form to tell your employer of your choice of fund as soon as you start a new job.
• Update your details. If you’ve moved house or changed your name, remember to update the details on your super account. This way your fund will always be able to get in touch with you when needed.
• Make a contribution. How long has it been since your super account received a contribution? By making a small contribution every now and then, you could prevent your account from being declared inactive.

Frequently asked questions

• What is rolling over super?

  Rolling over super refers to the process of transferring your superannuation funds from one account to another. This is commonly done when consolidating multiple super accounts into a single account for easier management, reduced fees and potentially better investment opportunities. The rollover process can be facilitated through your chosen super fund or using the ATO's services via your myGov account. It's a critical step in managing your super efficiently, especially when changing jobs or aiming to simplify your retirement savings.

• Does rolling over my entire super close the account?

  Yes, if you transfer all the funds from your super account to another, the original account will be closed. This full transfer can be executed through your myGov account or by submitting a paper application.

• How can I locate a deceased person's lost super?

  To locate a deceased individual's lost super, you should initially contact the ATO to identify their super fund. Once you have this information, reach out to the super fund, providing necessary documentation like the death certificate. This is essential if you are a beneficiary seeking access to their super.

To make sure you get accurate and helpful information, this guide has been reviewed by Ryan Watson, a member of Finder's Editorial Review Board.

Written by

Sarah Megginson

Personal finance expert + Media spokesperson

With over 20 years of experience in property, finance and investment journalism, Sarah is a trusted expert whose insights regularly appear across television, radio, and print media, including Sunrise, ABC News, and Yahoo! Finance. She has previously served as managing editor for Your Investment Property and Australian Broker, and her expert advice has been shared over 2,500 times in 2023-2024 alone. Sarah holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communications and a Tier 1 Generic Knowledge certification, which complies with ASIC standards. See full bio

Sarah's expertise

Sarah has written 198 Finder guides across topics including:

• Home loans
• Personal finance
• Budgeting and money-saving tips
• Managing the cost of living

Co-written by

Shubham Pandey

Writer

Shubham Pandey is a writer specialising in investing and superannuation with five years of experience across ANZ, Pedestrian Group, Valnet, BeInCrypto and AMBCrypto. He holds a Master’s degree in Finance with a minor in Communication and an ASIC RG 146 qualification, which ensures a solid understanding of the financial regulations that govern investment advice. See full bio