How to find lost and unclaimed super through myGov or the ATO, free

To find lost super, sign in to myGov, link it to the Australian Taxation Office, and open the super section: it lists every account funds have reported for your tax file number, including lost accounts and ATO-held super. You can then transfer it into the account you want to keep, online and free. If you cannot use myGov, call the ATO's automated super search line on 13 28 65 if you know your tax file number, or 13 10 20 to speak to someone; Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people can use the ATO's Indigenous helpline on 13 10 30. Moneysmart reported in late 2026 that there is more than $21 billion in lost and unclaimed super in Australia.

This guide is part of the super mistakes overview. General information only, not financial advice.

Lost, unclaimed and ATO-held super: the terms

Term	What it means	Who holds it
Lost super account	The fund has lost contact with you (for example mail returned) or the account is inactive and meets the lost-member rules	Usually still in the fund
Unclaimed super	Money funds must pay to the ATO in set cases, such as when you reach 65 with no contact, or as a former temporary resident who left Australia	The ATO
Inactive low-balance account	Account under $6,000 with no contributions or rollovers for a set period, which funds must transfer to the ATO	The ATO
ATO-held super	All super the ATO holds for you from the above sources, plus some super guarantee and co-contribution amounts	The ATO

When the ATO holds super for you, it may automatically reunite it with an active account it can match to you. Money the ATO holds still belongs to you and can be claimed at any time.

Five ways to search

myGov: sign in at my.gov.au, link the ATO, open Super, then Fund details or Manage. This is the quickest way.
ATO app: sign in and choose Super to see active and lost accounts.
Phone: the ATO automated line 13 28 65 if you have your tax file number; 13 10 20 to speak to a person.
Form: the ATO's paper form for searching for lost and unclaimed super, posted to the ATO.
In person: Services Australia service centres and agents can help you contact the ATO and use online services.

Claiming what you find

If a fund holds the money, the ATO gives you the fund's contact details. You can usually transfer it into your chosen account through myGov, or ask the fund you want to keep to arrange it.
If the ATO holds the money, transfer it to an active account through myGov or by form. In some circumstances, such as if you have met a condition of release or the amount is small, the ATO can pay it directly to your bank account.
You must prove your identity. Funds and the ATO have identity requirements; if you lack common documents, a statement from a trusted person such as a health worker, teacher or community Elder may be accepted.

Before transferring lost super, apply the same checks as for any consolidation: does the account have insurance you need? Is it a defined benefit interest? See consolidating super through myGov.

Why super gets lost

Changing jobs often, especially casual and short-term work.
Changing address, name or email without telling the fund.
An employer that opened a new account in its default fund each time (less common since stapled funds began in November 2021, when employers became required to check for your existing fund).
Small balances that stop receiving contributions.
Never giving a fund your tax file number, which makes matching harder.

Worked example: a forgotten account

Illustrative member, age 47, finds through myGov two accounts from casual jobs in their twenties: one with $3,900 in a fund and one with $2,200 held by the ATO. Their main account holds $140,000.

The fund account has been charged fees for years and its insurance ended long ago. Rolling it into the main account stops the fees.
The ATO-held amount can be moved at the same time.
Combined, about $6,100 joins the main account. At an illustrative 6% a year after fees over 18 years to 65, that sum could grow to about $17,400 — money the member did not know they had.

Keeping super from getting lost again

Use one account and give its details to each new employer on the standard choice form.
Keep your contact details up to date with your fund.
Make sure your fund has your tax file number.
Check myGov once a year, for example when you do your tax return.
Download your fund's app to see contributions each payday under payday super.

Frequently asked questions

Does the ATO pay interest on super it holds?

The ATO pays interest on some ATO-held super in line with inflation when it is paid out or transferred, under rules set in legislation. Check the ATO's page on ATO-held super for current conditions.

Can I find a deceased relative's super?

Yes, but through a different process. The fund or the ATO will ask for evidence such as a death certificate and your relationship. See death benefits and beneficiary nominations.

I worked in Australia on a temporary visa and have left. Can I get my super?

Former temporary residents may claim a departing Australia superannuation payment, which is taxed at special rates. Check the ATO's guidance.

Is there a time limit to claim lost super?

No general time limit; the money remains yours. Claiming sooner stops fees and lets it be invested in your active account.

Official sources

myGov — find and transfer super
ATO — lost and unclaimed super, ATO-held super, search forms, departing Australia superannuation payment
Moneysmart — find lost super, proving your identity
Services Australia — in-person help with online services
Scamwatch — report scams