How to apply for your superannuation back after leaving Australia

Step 1: Find all your super accounts

The first step is identifying every super account that holds your contributions. Most working holiday makers have super spread across multiple funds because each employer may have used a different default fund.

We locate your super accounts by:

• Checking the funds you nominated to employers
• Cross-referencing TFN-linked accounts across the ATO system
• Identifying balances transferred to the ATO as unclaimed super

Once we have a complete picture, you can either apply for each fund separately through DASP or consolidate them into a single fund first. Consolidating simplifies the process (one application instead of many) but takes a few extra weeks upfront.

Step 2: Gather your documents

To prepare your DASP application, we need:

• Your Tax File Number (TFN)
• Passport details (the passport you held when you worked in Australia)
• Visa grant and expiry dates
• Super fund name and member number for each fund
• Bank account details (Australian or overseas, your choice)

The bank account does not have to be Australian. International transfers are standard for DASP payments and we can pay into accounts in most countries.

Step 3: We lodge the DASP application

Once we have your details, we handle the lodgment:

• Separate applications for each fund (if you have multiple)
• Identity and visa verification handled through our tax agent portal
• All correspondence with the fund and ATO managed by us
• You receive a reference number for tracking

You do not need to navigate ATO online services or contact the super funds yourself.

Step 4: Receive your payment

After lodgment:

• The fund verifies your details (usually within 28 days)
• 65% DASP withholding tax is deducted from the taxable component
• The net amount is paid to your nominated bank account
• We notify you when the payment is released

International transfers can take a few additional business days to arrive, depending on your destination country and bank.

What if you cannot find some of your super?

If you suspect super was paid for you but cannot find the account, we can investigate:

• Search across major funds using your TFN
• Check ATO records for transferred unclaimed super balances
• Identify any employers who may have failed to pay super and pursue the unpaid amounts

See our article on finding lost superannuation for more detail. We do this search as part of every DASP application we handle, to make sure no super is left behind.