Two different pools
The first is accounts still sitting with a super fund that has lost contact with you. The second is money already transferred to the ATO - small or inactive balances, and accounts from funds that could not find you.
A myGov search covers both. It shows every account reported against your tax file number, including balances the ATO is holding on your behalf.
How to search
Log in to myGov and link the ATO service, then open Super and choose Fund details. Every account reported against your TFN appears there, along with any ATO-held amounts.
If you cannot access myGov, you can phone the ATO's lost super line or lodge a paper searching for lost super form. You will need your TFN and identity details.
Claiming ATO-held super is done through the same screen. Money can usually be paid into an existing super account immediately, or directly to you if you meet a condition of release.
Before you consolidate
Consolidating into one fund cuts duplicate fees and insurance premiums, and it is done through myGov in a few clicks.
Check the insurance attached to each account first. Closing an old account cancels its life, TPD or income protection cover, and that cover may be cheaper or easier to hold than anything you can buy today - particularly if your health has changed.
Also compare exit fees and long-term performance before choosing which fund to keep.
Tip: Check your insurance cover before consolidating - closing an account cancels it.
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.