It’s easy to lose track of your superannuation, especially if you’ve changed jobs, moved house, or opened more than one super account over the years. Many Australians have lost or unclaimed super without even realising it, which can mean missing out on valuable retirement savings. If you’re wondering “how do I find my super?”, you’re not alone. This guide will show you the best ways to track down your super, understand where it might be, and what steps you can take to bring it all together.
Why You Might Lose Track of Your Super
Losing track of super is more common than you might think. Every time you start a new job, you could end up with a new super account if you don’t provide your preferred super fund details. If you forget to update your contact details with your super fund after moving house or changing your name, your fund may not be able to reach you. Over time, this can lead to lost super, where your money sits in an account you’ve forgotten about, or is transferred to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) as unclaimed super.
Having multiple super accounts also means you’re likely paying more fees, which can eat into your savings. That’s why it’s important to keep track of your super and make sure it’s all in one place.
Worried about missing unclaimed super held by the ATO?
Schedule a complimentary consultation with us today to ensure all your super is working for your retirement.
The Best Ways to Find Your Lost Super
Finding your lost super doesn’t have to be complicated. There are several straightforward ways to search for and recover your super, whether it’s with a super fund or held by the ATO. Here’s how you can get started.
Use Your myGov Account to Search Online
The easiest way to find your super is through your myGov account linked to the ATO. Once you’re logged in, you can use ATO online services to:
See all your super accounts, including any you’ve lost track of
Find out if the ATO is holding any unclaimed super for you
Consolidate lost super into your preferred super fund
If you haven’t set up a myGov account yet, you can create one at my.gov.au. Make sure you have your tax file number handy to link your account and access your super information.
Call the Lost Super Search Line
If you prefer to speak to someone, you can call the ATO’s lost super search line. This automated service will guide you through the process. Having your tax file number ready will make the search easier.
Complete a Paper Form
If online services aren’t an option, you can fill out the “Searching for lost and unclaimed super” paper form and post it to the ATO. The form asks for your personal details, contact information, and any super fund details you remember. This is a good option if you’re unable to access myGov or prefer handling things by mail.
Ask Your Super Fund for Help
Your current super fund can also help you find your lost super. Many funds offer a free search service and can help you consolidate your super into one account. You’ll need to provide your tax file number and some identification to get started.
Should I Consolidate My Super?
After you’ve found all your super accounts, you might notice you have more than one. Consolidating your super simply means bringing all your super together into one account. This can make a big difference to your retirement savings for a few reasons.
With just one super account, you’ll pay fewer fees, which means more of your money stays invested for your future. It also makes keeping track of your super much easier, as you’ll have only one account to monitor. Managing your insurance cover and investment options becomes simpler too.
Before you consolidate, check if you have any insurance with your existing accounts that you want to keep. Sometimes, closing an account means losing certain insurance benefits, so it’s worth reviewing your cover. Also, make sure your employer is paying your super into your preferred account and that you won’t miss out on any contributions.
You can consolidate your super online using your myGov account linked to the ATO, or by contacting your chosen super fund directly. If you’re unsure which fund to keep, compare fees, investment options, and insurance cover so you can make the best choice for your situation.
We’re more than bookkeeping experts
As part of ACT Tax Group, we offer complete accounting and business advisory services tailored to your needs.
Conclusion
Finding your super is easier than ever, thanks to online services and support from the ATO and your super fund. Taking a few minutes to search for lost super and considering consolidation can make a big difference to your retirement savings. If you haven’t checked your super lately, now’s the time to get started—your future self will thank you.
