Finding and consolidating superannuation accounts

Many people have a number of superannuation accounts because they have changed jobs. You may be able to combine these accounts, making it easier to keep track of your superannuation and possibly lower fees and charges. Combining accounts or transferring accounts from one superannuation fund to another is called a ‘rollover’. Your fund can advise if they allow their members to ‘rollover’ their superannuation money and if it involves any fees.

A fund that has not been able to contact a member for two years will add that person’s name to the Lost Member’s Register, administered by the Australian Taxation Office. If you reach age pension age and your fund still cannot find you, your superannuation will normally be transferred to your state or territory government.

There are a number of ways you can search for your lost superannuation:

• You can conduct your own online search using SuperSeeker at the Australian Tax Office.
• You can contact your current superannuation fund and ask them to conduct a search on your behalf using SuperMatch
• You can download and complete a Lost Members Enquiry Form.

The easiest way to search for your lost superannuation is to use the online search called SuperSeeker. SuperSeeker is an online tool that will look for your lost superannuation in real time and instantly provide you with possible matches. SuperSeeker uses your tax file number to find any lost accounts you may have recorded on the Lost Members Register. It will also search Tax Office records, such as the Superannuation Holding Accounts Reserve (SHAR) and any unclaimed superannuation guarantee vouchers in your name.

The ATO now has a form to allow members to transfer their benefits between funds. It is called the Request to transfer whole balance of superannuation benefits between funds (or the portability form).