How do I find a lost pension?

What you need before you start

The service works best with the right details to hand. Gather what you can about each old job or pension:

• the name of the employer you worked for, or the pension provider
• roughly when you worked there
• any old letters, payslips or pension statements

You only need the name of an employer or a pension provider to use the service. The other details help when you contact the scheme later.

How to find a lost pension, step by step

1. Make a list. Write down every job you have had and any personal pensions you set up yourself.
2. Use the online service. Go to the GOV.UK Find pension contact details service and search by the employer or provider name.
3. Note the contact details. The service gives you the address, phone number or email of the pension scheme.
4. Contact the scheme. Ask if they hold a pension in your name. Give your full name, date of birth, National Insurance number, any old addresses and the dates you worked there.
5. Ask for a statement. If they find a pension, ask how much it is worth and how to take it or move it.

You can search for someone else's pension too, as long as you have their permission.

How to contact the service

You can search online. If you would rather talk to someone, phone the Pension Tracing Service.

A British Sign Language video relay service is also available if you are on a computer.

What the service will not do

The service will not tell you whether you have a pension. It also will not tell you what a pension is worth. Only the pension scheme can tell you that, so step 4 above is important.

If a company has changed its name, merged or closed, try searching under the old name and any new name you know of. The scheme may now be run by a different provider.

Do not forget your State Pension

The State Pension is separate from workplace and personal pensions. You do not need to trace it. Use the Check your State Pension forecast service to see how much you could get, when you can get it, and if you can increase it. You cannot use the forecast service if you are already getting your State Pension or have deferred it.

After you find a pension

Once a scheme confirms it holds a pension for you, keep their letters safe. Tell the scheme if you move house, so you do not lose touch again. If you have more than one old pension, you can contact each one separately to ask about your options.

Related guides

• What is the Pension Tracing Service?
• How much goes into my workplace pension?
• Do I pay tax on my pension?
• How does pension tax relief work?

Where this comes from

• Find pension contact details (GOV.UK)
• Check your State Pension forecast (GOV.UK)