If you have ever changed your name, job or address, you may have lost some super and appear on the Australian Taxation Office’s (ATO) lost member register (LMR).
The members of all regulated super funds (excluding self-managed super funds) that have been reported as lost, are listed on the LMR. People may end up on the register if any of the following scenarios apply:
• The super provider may not know an address or has sent out mail to a client which is then returned or a super provider is not able to get in contact with the person.
• The person has not paid contributions and the super provider has not received a rollover in the past five years.
• Their super account was passed on to the fund from a separate super provider that deemed that person a lost member.
You can conduct a search to look for lost super using SuperSeeker. This is a free service available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and can be accessed in the following three ways:
• SuperSeeker can be accessed online, it’s very easy to use and your search will only take a couple of minutes to be completed. Go to www.ato.gov.au and select Super Funds – Lost Super to find out more.
• This service can also be utilised over the phone by calling the SuperSeeker self-help line on 13 28 65. Don’t forget to have your Tax File Number (TFN), date of birth and contact details on hand.
• An alternative way to find lost super is to lodge a Searching for lost super (NAT 2476) with the ATO. This can also be found on the ATO website, all you have to do is download the file, complete the form and send it back.
Additional information such as previous employers and super funds will make the process easier. If a match is found between your details and the details on the LMR the ATO will send you a notice to let you know what super funds or funds may be holding your benefit.
To find out more about searching for lost super and your entitlements please contact The Quinn Group on 1300 QUINNS (784 667) or click here to submit an online enquiry.
