Why your superannuation might be missing
It’s easy to lose track of your super. If you’ve changed jobs and your employer opened a new super account for you, you might have forgotten about your other account that’s no longer receiving super contributions. This can also happen if you move house, take time off work, or live overseas for a while.
The good news is that your super isn’t actually missing.
There are only two places it can be – with your previous super fund, or with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) waiting for you to claim it. If it’s with the ATO it’s likely because your super fund has been unable to contact you for some time or your account has been inactive.
With a few simple steps, you can find any lost superannuation you might have and decide what you want to do with it.
How to find and consolidate lost super for Essential Super members
If you’re an Essential Super member, you can locate lost super online using NetBank.
- Log in to NetBank
- Click on your Essential Super account
- Click on ’Consolidate’
This will take you to the Colonial First State (CFS) portal where you can consent for the Trustee to run a SuperMatch search for any other super accounts you may have. Once this is completed, you’ll be able to consolidate funds from there.
If you have any issues transferring your super, call CFS on 13 4074, 8:30am – 6pm (Sydney/Melbourne time), Monday – Friday. If you’re overseas, call +61 2 9197 3000.
How to find and consolidate lost super via the ATO
Alternatively, you can also locate your super via the ATO service linked to your myGov account You’ll be able to see details of all your super accounts as well as ATO-held super. There are steps via the portal to follow which enable you to specify which funds you want to transfer out of, and which one into.
If you don’t have a myGov account, you can call the ATO’s automated super line on 13 28 65 (you’ll need to have your Tax File Number handy). Or you can complete this form.
Things to know before consolidating your super
Consolidating your super can help you save on fees since each account charges separately – even if they aren’t receiving super contributions.
If you decide to consolidate your super, you’ll need to choose which account to consolidate to.
Here are a few considerations when choosing which super account to transfer to:
- Available investment options
- Administration fees
- Insurance cover and premiums
- Investment returns