What Happens to Unclaimed Superannuation in Australia?

Have you ever changed jobs, moved interstate, or forgotten about an old super fund? There’s a chance your lost superannuation is now sitting with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). But what happens to it — and how can you claim it?

In this article, we’ll explain how super becomes unclaimed, how to track it down using myGov or ClaimMate, and what to do once you find it.

What Is Unclaimed Superannuation?

Unclaimed super refers to retirement savings that haven’t been claimed by the rightful owner. These funds are legally transferred to the ATO when:

• You’re aged 65+ and your account is inactive for 5+ years
• You’re a former temporary resident who has left Australia
• Your account has a low balance and is deemed inactive
• Your super fund cannot contact you

Where Does Unclaimed Super Go?

When super becomes unclaimed, it’s transferred to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). The ATO holds these funds in trust until claimed by you or your estate.

Does Lost Super Still Earn Interest?

Yes — unclaimed super held by the ATO earns interest linked to the Consumer Price Index (CPI). This preserves the real value of your savings, but it may not grow as quickly as an invested super account.

How to Find and Reclaim Lost Super

1. Log in to your myGov account
2. Link your ATO account and go to “Manage my super”
3. Consolidate or transfer any unclaimed super to your main fund

Alternatively, use ClaimMate to check for unclaimed money across multiple databases for free — not just super, but also bank accounts and refunds.

👉 Read our guide to finding all types of unclaimed money in Australia.

Avoid Losing Super in the Future

• Keep your contact details up to date with your super fund
• Consolidate multiple super accounts where possible
• Check your myGov super summary every year

FAQs About Lost Super

Can I claim super from a closed fund?

Yes — if it was transferred to the ATO, you can claim it via myGov or the ATO website.

Is it safe to search for lost super online?

Yes — ClaimMate and myGov are secure and government-linked search tools.

How long does it take to reclaim unclaimed super?

Most super refunds are processed within 2–6 weeks.

Start Your Search Now

There’s over $16 billion in unclaimed and lost superannuation in Australia. Use ClaimMate to check if some of it belongs to you — it’s quick, secure, and free.