Lost superannuation is a widespread problem in Australia. Every time you change jobs, move house, or switch super funds without updating your details, there's a chance your super gets classified as "lost" or "unclaimed." The most recent ATO release puts the total at just over $18 billion in lost and ATO-held super as at 30 June 2025 — held on behalf of Australians who've lost contact with their fund.
You might have lost super if you've ever changed jobs without telling your new employer to pay into your existing fund, moved house without updating your address with your fund, had multiple part-time or casual jobs, or simply lost track of an old fund statement.
Step 1: Check through MyGov and the ATO
The fastest way to find lost super is through your MyGov account linked to the ATO. Here's how:
- Log in to myGov (or create an account if you don't have one)
- Link the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) to your myGov account — you'll need your Tax File Number (TFN) and details from a recent ATO notice
- Once linked, go to Super → Manage → Find lost super
- The ATO will show every super account held in your name across all funds, including any amounts held by the ATO itself
Step 2: Consolidate into one account
Once you've found all your super, you can consolidate (roll over) multiple accounts into a single fund — directly through MyGov. This is important because multiple accounts mean multiple sets of fees and potentially multiple insurance premiums eating into your balance.
Before consolidating, check:
- Insurance: If any of your accounts include insurance cover (death, TPD, income protection), consolidating may cancel that cover. Make sure you have replacement cover in place first.
- Fees: Compare the fees of each account — you want to consolidate into the fund with the lowest total fees relative to your balance.
- Defined benefit: If you have a defined benefit account, do not consolidate it without financial advice — defined benefit entitlements are almost always worth keeping.
For a full walkthrough, see our guide to consolidating super accounts.
Step 3: Check directly with old employers and funds
If the ATO search doesn't find everything, you can also contact former employers directly to ask which fund they paid your super into. Many employers keep payroll records going back years. You can also try contacting super funds directly — if you remember ever receiving a statement from a fund, call them with your details to check if you still have an account.
How much could it be costing you?
The average lost super account has a balance of around $6,000 — but some Australians have $50,000 or more scattered across forgotten accounts. Even a "small" lost account of $5,000 could be losing $50–$100 per year in fees while earning nothing if it's been transferred to the ATO. Over 10 years, that's $500–$1,000 gone in fees alone.
Lost super vs ATO-held super — they're not the same thing
The two categories get lumped together, but they behave differently:
- Lost super is still inside a super fund, invested and earning returns — the fund has just lost contact with you (returned mail, no contributions for a long period). Reclaiming it means updating your details with the fund or rolling it into your main account.
- ATO-held super has left the fund system entirely. Funds must transfer small inactive accounts (balances under $6,000 with no contributions for 16 months) and unclaimed amounts to the ATO. ATO-held super earns only CPI interest — not market returns — so every year it sits there is a year of investment growth forgone. You can reclaim it into your active fund through MyGov in minutes.
Finding the lost super of someone who has died
Executors and administrators can search for and claim a deceased person's super as part of the estate. For amounts still held by a fund, contact the fund with the death certificate and grant of probate or letters of administration — the death benefit is then paid per the person's beneficiary nomination or to the estate. For ATO-held amounts, the ATO has a deceased-estates claim process. Super is often the largest asset nobody in the family knows about, so running the search is worth it even when you don't expect to find anything. See our guide to super death benefit tax for how payouts are taxed by recipient type.
Preventing future lost super
The easiest way to avoid losing track of super is to choose one fund and give your details to every new employer. When you start a new job, provide a Standard Choice Form nominating your existing fund. Update your contact details with your fund whenever you move. And check your ATO super summary at least once a year through MyGov.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find my lost super for free?
Through myGov → ATO → Super → Manage → Find lost super. It's free and complete — never pay a "super finder" service for something the ATO does at no cost.
What's the difference between lost super and ATO-held super?
Lost super is still invested inside a fund that has lost contact with you. ATO-held super has been transferred to the ATO and earns only CPI interest until you reclaim it.
How much lost super is out there?
Just over $18 billion in lost and ATO-held super as at 30 June 2025, per the ATO.
Can I claim a deceased relative's lost super?
Yes — the executor or administrator claims it as part of the estate, via the fund or the ATO's deceased-estate process.
Is there a time limit?
No. It remains claimable indefinitely — but ATO-held amounts earn only CPI interest, so the cost of waiting is real.
Related guides
- How to consolidate super accounts
- Best super funds in Australia (2026)
- Super fund fees explained
- How to choose a super fund
Independent superannuation research · about the editor ✓ Fact-checked · updated July 2026
Source: APRA & ATO data