If you have changed jobs, moved house or changed your name, there is a chance some of your super has lost track of you. It is still your money, and checking is simple.
What super is
ASIC's Moneysmart describes super as money for your retirement. If you are eligible, your employer pays part of your income into a super fund, which invests it for you. Moneysmart stresses that the money is still yours even if you have moved, changed your name, stopped using an old phone or email address, or never set up a super account yourself.
How much is out there
Moneysmart says there is almost $19 billion in lost and unclaimed super in Australia, and some people are surprised to find money they did not know they had.
How to check
Moneysmart lists several ways to find your super:
sign in to myGov with your account linked to the Australian Taxation Office
call the ATO's automated super search line on 13 28 65
speak to someone at the ATO on 13 10 20
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people can call the ATO's Indigenous helpline on 13 10 30.
If you sign in through myGov, any super accounts linked to you will be listed with their balances.
What to do next
If you find more than one account, consider whether combining them makes sense for you, keeping in mind fees and any insurance attached to each account. Moneysmart has guidance on what to do when you find super and how to keep track of it.
This article is general information only and does not consider your personal circumstances. It is not financial advice.
About the author
RullikClear, sourced explainers on Australia and the world
Rullik is the pen name of the founder of Australia Illuminate (Auslume). Rullik writes plain-language explainers on life in Australia, from immigration, study and work to money, sport and screen culture, always linking to the official sources behind each story. Every story is reviewed before publication.
More from Rullik ↗This article was prepared with AI assistance.
