Who this affects
Creditors - including small businesses, contractors and former employees - who were owed money by a person or company that collapsed and who moved before the final distribution was made.
Former bankrupts entitled to a surplus after their estate was fully administered.
Beneficiaries of a deceased creditor's estate.
How to search
Search AFSA's unclaimed money register by your own name, and separately by any business or trading name you have used. Company and sole trader debts are often recorded under the business name only.
If a customer or client of yours collapsed years ago and you wrote the debt off, it is worth a search - partial distributions are common.
Claiming
Lodge the claim form on the AFSA website with identity documents and evidence of the debt or entitlement: invoices, a proof of debt lodged with the trustee, or correspondence from the administration.
Business claims also need evidence you control the entity, such as an ABN record or company extract.
Tip: Search both your own name and any business name you traded under.
Common questions
Official sources
This guide is based on the official Australian registers and the bodies that administer them. Always search and claim through these sites directly - they are free.