Is lost or ATO-held super still claimable? Yes, 100%. If you worked multiple jobs in Australia and lost track of your super accounts—or left Australia more than 6 months ago—your super may have been transferred to the ATO as unclaimed former temporary resident super. You can search for and claim all ATO-held super using your Tax File Number (TFN) via the official ATO DASP online portal or paper Form NAT 74880.
1. "Lost Super" vs. "ATO-Held Super": What is the Difference?
The ATO categorizes missing superannuation into two distinct categories depending on where the funds currently sit:
| Category | Where the Money Sits | Tax Rate Applied | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lost Member Account | Still held by your original super fund (e.g., Hostplus, REST, AustralianSuper). | 35% Non-WHM / 65% WHM | ~28 Days Benchmark |
| ATO-Held Unclaimed Super | Transferred to the ATO (~6 months post-departure as former temporary resident money). | 65% Across ALL Visa Types | Often Longer Than 28 Days (Manual Matching) |
2. How to Search for Lost Super using Your TFN
You do not need to remember every super fund name or account number from past jobs. The Australian Taxation Office tracks super contributions using your 9-digit Tax File Number (TFN).
When you enter your TFN into the free ATO DASP Online System, the portal automatically searches all Australian super funds and ATO databases, bringing up a list of every active, lost, or unclaimed super account attached to your identity.
3. Paper Forms: Form NAT 7204 vs. Form NAT 74880
If you cannot use the online DASP portal and need to lodge a paper claim, ensure you send the correct form to the correct organization:
- Form NAT 7204 (Application for DASP from a Super Fund): Send this form directly to your superannuation fund if they still hold your money.
- Form NAT 74880 (Application for ATO-Held Super): Send this form directly to the Australian Taxation Office (PO Box 1032, Albury NSW 2640) if your super has already been transferred to the ATO as unclaimed money.
Not Sure What Your Balance Is? Estimate It
Use Tool 2 in our free calculator to work out your approximate super balance based on your gross wages in Australia.
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