How does First Super search for my other accounts? We use an Australian Taxation Office (ATO) tool called SuperMatch. This tool has been built into our own system and our member portal, firstonline, to give you a smooth, easy way to search for other super accounts and then combine these funds in to your First Super account.
Why do you need my Tax File Number (TFN) for the search? SuperMatch uses your TFN to search for other unclaimed super in your name. So we need your consent to use your TFN to: access the service and search ATO records for any super balances in your name that are held by the ATO or by another super fund. Once you give us your consent, we can conduct searches on your behalf on an ongoing basis; and allow the transfer of any ATO-held super found during a SuperMatch search into your First Super account. You can withdraw your consent by updating your contact details in firstonline.
What happens if the search finds super with a defined benefit amount or has insurance cover included? If your search finds an account that includes a defined benefit amount and/or has attached insurance, we strongly advise you to seek professional financial advice to help you weigh up the benefits of consolidation and to help you decide what to do with this account. Defined benefit accounts are older style accounts and moving such amounts to your First Super account may not be in your best interests. Obtaining financial advice is particularly important in such instances. We won’t transfer in a defined benefit account unless you have specific advice from an adviser confirming that it’s suitable for you. If you have insurance benefits, it’s worth knowing what insurance you have or can apply for with your First Super account. This may help you to make a decision regarding consolidating your super.
The search has shown I have super held with the ATO. Do I have to transfer this to a super fund? It’s your choice, but it’s worth knowing that although you don’t pay any fees on ATO-held amounts, you can’t choose an investment strategy, the only investment return you receive is interest paid at a level based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and you can’t get insurance. The current CPI rate can be found on the ABS website while our current investment returns are here. If you consent for us to do so, any lost super held by the ATO will automatically be added to your First Super account.
