Unclaimed Money

Here is a list of official online resources where you can search for lost or unclaimed money in Australia, including national and state-specific options. These are government-managed or authorized sites designed to help you locate funds that may belong to you:

National-Level Resources

  1. ASIC MoneySmart Unclaimed Money Search
    • Website: moneysmart.gov.au/find-unclaimed-money
    • Purpose: Search for unclaimed money from lost bank accounts, shares, investments, and life insurance policies managed by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).
    • Details: Free to search and claim, with no time limit. Covers funds transferred to the Commonwealth of Australia Consolidated Revenue Fund.
  2. Australian Taxation Office (ATO) – Lost Superannuation
    • Website: ato.gov.au/forms-and-instructions/superannuation-searching-for-lost-superannuation
    • Purpose: Find lost or unclaimed superannuation through ATO’s online services, accessible via myGov.
    • Details: Manages billions in lost super accounts; requires a myGov login to search.

State and Territory Resources

  1. New South Wales – Revenue NSW Unclaimed Money Register
    • Website: revenue.nsw.gov.au/unclaimed-money
    • Purpose: Search for unclaimed money held in NSW, such as dividends, wages, or forgotten payments.
    • Details: Free to search and claim; updated regularly.
  2. Victoria – State Revenue Office Unclaimed Money Register
    • Website: sro.vic.gov.au/unclaimed-money
    • Purpose: Locate unclaimed funds like share dividends, wages, bonds, or gaming winnings (e.g., Tatts, Intralot, TAB) lodged with the Victorian government.
    • Details: Covers amounts of $20 or more; free to search and claim.
  3. Queensland – Public Trustee of Queensland Unclaimed Money Search
    • Website: pt.qld.gov.au/other-services/unclaimed-money
    • Purpose: Find unclaimed money lodged with the Queensland Public Trustee.
    • Details: Free service aimed at reuniting owners with their funds.
  4. South Australia – Department of Treasury and Finance Unclaimed Money Register
    • Website: treasury.sa.gov.au/Our-services/unclaimed-monies
    • Purpose: Search for unclaimed money held by the SA Department of Treasury and Finance.
    • Details: Free to search; excludes rental bonds and superannuation (see separate agencies).
  5. Western Australia – Department of Treasury Unclaimed Money Register
    • Website: wa.gov.au/service/business-support/business-accounting-and-reporting/unclaimed-money
    • Purpose: Locate unclaimed money under the Unclaimed Money Act 1990, held by the WA Department of Treasury.
    • Details: Approximately $170 million available; free to search and claim.
  6. Australian Capital Territory – ACT Treasury Unclaimed Trust Monies
    • Website: https://www.treasury.act.gov.au/unclaimedmoneys
    • Purpose: Search for unclaimed trust monies held by ACT Treasury.
    • Details: Also links to the Public Trustee and Guardian for additional claims (e.g., shares, dividends).
  7. Tasmania – Department of Treasury and Finance Unclaimed Money
    • Website: treasury.tas.gov.au/budget-and-financial-management/guidelines-instructions-and-legislation/unclaimed-money
    • Purpose: Find unclaimed money lodged with the Tasmanian government.
    • Details: Limited online search; contact unclaimedmoney@treasury.tas.gov.au for assistance.
  8. Northern Territory – Territory Revenue Office Unclaimed Money
    • Website: treasury.nt.gov.au/dtf/territory-revenue-office/unclaimed-money
    • Purpose: Search for unclaimed money held by the NT government.
    • Details: Minimal online search functionality; contact revenue@nt.gov.au for inquiries.

Additional Notes

  • Other Sources: Some states direct specific unclaimed funds to other agencies, e.g., South Australia’s Consumer and Business Services (cbs.sa.gov.au) for rental bonds or the Public Trustee for deceased estates. Check state-specific sites for these exceptions.
  • Cross-State Searches: If you’ve lived in multiple states, search each relevant jurisdiction, as unclaimed money is often held where it was originally lost or lodged.
  • Free Services: All listed options are free to use. Be cautious of private companies charging fees for searches you can do yourself.

These resources cover the primary official channels for finding lost or unclaimed money across Australia and its states as of February 26, 2025. Start with the national sites (ASIC and ATO) and then check your relevant state or territory registers.