Lost Super, Unpaid Contributions & Where to Get Help

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Finding lost or unclaimed super

It's genuinely common to lose track of super, especially if you've changed jobs, names, or addresses over the years. The good news is it's usually simple to find:

1. Log into myGov and link the ATO online services (if not already linked).
2. Under superannuation, you'll see every super account linked to your tax file number — including any the ATO is currently holding on your behalf.
3. From there, you can transfer any lost or ATO-held super directly into your active account.

The ATO periodically receives "lost member" super from funds when an account becomes uncontactable, and holds unclaimed super on your behalf until you claim it — this doesn't expire, but it also isn't earning the same investment returns as an active account, so it's worth claiming sooner rather than later.

If you think your employer hasn't paid your super

Under Payday Super, your employer must ensure your super contributions reach your fund within 7 business days of payday. If you suspect they haven't:

1. Ask your employer first, if you're comfortable doing so — ask when they last made a payment to your fund, and confirm the amount.
2. Check with your super fund — review your member statement, or check your contributions via myGov, which shows what's actually been reported and received.
3. Report it to the ATO using their "Report unpaid super contributions from my employer" tool, if you've confirmed a genuine shortfall. Note that the ATO can generally only investigate from one month after the payment due date.

Multiple super accounts

If you've had more than one job, you may have ended up with more than one super account without realising it. This usually means paying duplicate fees for no benefit. We cover this in detail, including how to consolidate, in our guide on choosing and managing a super fund.

Where to get help

• Your super fund — for questions about your specific account, balance, or contributions received.
• The ATO — for lost super, unpaid employer contributions, and general super account questions via myGov.
• Fair Work Ombudsman — if unpaid super is part of a broader workplace dispute with your employer.
• A registered tax professional — for anything involving your broader tax position, self-employment super obligations, or a situation that isn't a straightforward missing-payment issue.

Related

General information only. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.