The ATO is urging individuals to check whether they have lost or unclaimed super, with more than $21 billion waiting to be reunited with its owners.

Super can become lost when an account is inactive and the fund cannot contact the member, often following a change of job, address or phone number.

In some cases, the balance may be transferred to the ATO to hold until it can be reunited with the individual.

The ATO reports that last year, more than $1.1 billion was returned through consolidations and direct payments to eligible individuals.

Editor: You can check for lost or unclaimed super in various ways, including through ATO online services.  Alternatively, please contact us for assistance.