Eligible Rollover Fund (ERF): The 2026 Guide for Australians
Eligible rollover funds (ERFs) were once a key part of the Australian superannuation landscape, designed to hold lost or inactive super balances. As of 2026, ERFs have been phased out, and the responsibility for managing lost super now sits with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). Understanding what ERFs were, why they mattered, and how lost super is handled today can help you keep your retirement savings on track.
What Was an Eligible Rollover Fund?
An **eligible rollover fund** (ERF) was a type of superannuation fund created to receive and hold small, lost, or inactive super balances. When a super account became inactive or the member could not be contacted, employers or super funds would transfer the balance into an ERF. The ERF would then manage these funds until the member claimed them or transferred them to another super fund.
**Key features of ERFs included:**
- Only accepting lost or inactive balances (no regular member contributions) - Generally low or no fees, but limited investment options - No insurance cover for members - Funds held until claimed, transferred, or the member was located
For many Australians, ERFs acted as a safety net for forgotten super, but balances could be eroded over time by fees or remain unclaimed for years.
Why ERFs Have Been Phased Out
The move to phase out ERFs is part of a broader effort to help Australians keep track of their super and improve retirement outcomes. Several policy changes over recent years have shifted the management of lost and inactive super away from ERFs and towards the ATO.
**Key changes include:**
- **Legislative reforms:** Changes to superannuation laws increased the thresholds for when inactive low-balance accounts are transferred to the ATO instead of ERFs. - **Protecting Your Super reforms:** Since 2019, super accounts with low balances and no recent activity are transferred to the ATO for safekeeping. - **Transition period:** By 2026, almost all ERFs have wound up, with remaining balances sent to the ATO.
As a result, there are no longer active ERFs receiving new super balances. If you lose track of your super in 2026, it is now almost certainly held by the ATO.
How Lost or Inactive Super Is Managed in 2026
With ERFs no longer operating, the ATO is now the central body responsible for managing lost and unclaimed super. The process is designed to protect small balances from being eroded by fees and to make it easier for Australians to find and consolidate their super.
**Here’s how the process works:**
- Super accounts with low balances and no activity for a set period are transferred to the ATO. - The ATO uses data matching to try to reunite lost super with active accounts. - You can search for and consolidate lost super using your myGov account or through the ATO’s online services. - The ATO does not charge fees for holding your super and pays interest on balances it holds.
This approach is intended to make it simpler for Australians to keep track of their super and prevent unnecessary loss of retirement savings.
What Happens If You Lose Track of Your Super?
If you have had multiple jobs, changed your name or address, or moved interstate, it’s possible you have lost or inactive super accounts. In the past, these balances might have ended up in an ERF. Now, they are transferred to the ATO if they meet certain criteria, such as being inactive for a set period and having a low balance.
Once your super is with the ATO, you can log in to your myGov account to check for any lost or unclaimed super. The ATO’s digital services make it straightforward to find and consolidate these balances into your main super fund.
Why the Change Matters for Your Retirement
The shift from ERFs to the ATO means that lost super is now easier to find and less likely to be eroded by fees. The ATO’s data matching and digital tools have made it simpler for Australians to reunite with their lost super, helping to boost retirement savings.
By consolidating your super and keeping your details up to date, you can ensure your retirement savings are working for you, not sitting unclaimed or being gradually reduced by fees.
How to Keep Your Super on Track
To avoid your super being transferred to the ATO, consider these practical steps:
- **Consolidate your super:** If you have multiple super accounts, consider rolling them into one active account to reduce fees and make management easier. - **Check your super regularly:** Log in to your super fund or myGov account to monitor your balance and ensure your details are current. - **Keep your contact details up to date:** Make sure your super fund has your current address, email, and phone number so you can be contacted if needed. - **Make contributions or rollovers:** Even small contributions or rollovers can keep your account active and prevent it from being classified as inactive. - **Stay engaged:** Regularly reviewing your super helps you make informed decisions and avoid losing track of your savings.
The Legacy of ERFs and What It Means for You
While ERFs played an important role in the past, their phase-out reflects a shift towards greater transparency and efficiency in managing lost super. The current system, with the ATO at the centre, is designed to protect your retirement savings and make it easier for you to keep track of your super.
If you think you might have lost super, take a few minutes to log in to your myGov account and check. Staying proactive is the best way to ensure your super is working as hard as you are, both now and into the future.
Looking Ahead: Superannuation in 2026 and Beyond
As superannuation rules continue to evolve, staying informed and engaged with your super is more important than ever. The move away from ERFs is just one example of how the system is changing to better serve Australians. By understanding how lost super is managed and taking simple steps to keep your accounts active, you can help secure your financial future.