Key takeaways
- Prepare your names and addresses before you start - it doubles your hit rate.
- Search every state you have lived in, not just your current one.
- Every register on this list is free, and every claim is lodged directly.
Step 1: Prepare your details
- Every surname you have used, including maiden and previous married names.
- Given name variations and common misspellings.
- Every suburb and state you have lived in, with rough dates.
- Your date of birth and tax file number for superannuation searches.
- Names of deceased relatives whose estate you may be entitled to.
Step 2: Search the national registers
- 1ASIC MoneySmart - inactive bank accounts, share dividends and life insurance proceeds.
- 2The ATO through myGov - lost and ATO-held superannuation.
- 3Fair Work Ombudsman - wages recovered but never delivered.
- 4AFSA - unclaimed monies from bankruptcies and liquidations.
Step 3: Search each state you have lived in
State registers hold refunds, deposits, trust balances and proceeds from businesses operating in that state. Search each one where you have lived or worked, not only your current address.
| State or territory | Register held by |
|---|---|
| New South Wales | Revenue NSW |
| Victoria | State Revenue Office Victoria |
| Queensland | Queensland Treasury (Public Trustee for some funds) |
| South Australia | Department of Treasury and Finance |
| Western Australia | Department of Treasury |
| Tasmania | Department of Treasury and Finance |
| Australian Capital Territory | ACT Revenue Office |
| Northern Territory | NT Treasury |
Step 4: Check bond authorities
Rental bonds sit with a separate authority in each state and are not included in the general unclaimed money registers. If you have ever rented, check the bond authority for every state you rented in.
Step 5: Claim what you find
- 1Note the listing reference and the organisation that lodged the money.
- 2Gather photo identification, proof of the address at the time, and any name change certificates.
- 3Lodge the claim directly with the agency named on the listing.
- 4Expect processing to take several weeks, and follow up in writing if it stalls.
Ready to search?
Start with your state or territory - every register we link to is official and free to use.
Start your search