Why Doesn’t Lightning Payroll Automatically Update the USI for a Super Fund?

Lightning Payroll automatically updates details such as a super fund's name, phone number, ABN, and bank account information based on the USI (Unique Superannuation Identifier) entered. However, it does not automatically update or replace an existing USI. This is by design and for good reason.

Why are other details updated automatically?

When you enter a valid USI into Lightning Payroll, we match it against daily updates from the APRA Super Fund file via the ATO's ATOP Fund Validation Service. This file contains reliable and up-to-date information about:

• Super fund name
• ABN
• Contact phone number
• Bank account details

Since these details are tied directly to the USI, it is safe and consistent to auto-populate them once a valid USI is provided.

So why can't Lightning Payroll just update the USI too?

We cannot automatically update the USI itself because:

• USIs are unique: They act as identifiers for specific fund products and accounts. Automatically changing a USI could lead to incorrect super contributions or compliance issues.
• No official mapping exists: The APRA file does not tell us which USI replaces which. Even if a fund merges or rebrands, the file doesn’t provide a direct link between the old and new USIs.
• Only the super fund can confirm: USI changes are often due to mergers or product changes. Only the fund can tell you what the correct new USI is for your employee’s specific account.
• Data integrity matters: Automatically replacing a USI could interfere with historical records, reporting, and audit trails.

What if I think a USI has changed?

If you're aware of a change (e.g., a fund merger), the best approach is to:

1. Confirm the new USI with the employee's super fund.
2. Enter it as a new fund entry in Lightning Payroll.
3. Assign that new fund to the employee.

This ensures clean data, accurate historical records, and compliance with ATO reporting requirements.

Helpful resources

• USI Validator Tool: Check USI details here
• ClickSuper Fund Changes List: Review known fund changeovers (note: not official or comprehensive)

Summary

We update details like fund names and ABNs based on the USI because they are reliably tied to it via government data. But we don’t auto-update the USI itself because there’s no reliable way to know which USI should replace another without direct confirmation from the fund. This protects your payroll records, ensures compliance, and avoids incorrect contributions.