How to Find an Old Retirement Plan and Claim Your Savings

Oct 20, 2025 3 min read •

senior care Retirement Planning Financial Literacy

According to a study cited by Capitalize, there were an estimated 29.2 million forgotten or left-behind 401(k) accounts in the U.S. as of May 2023, representing a staggering $1.65 trillion in assets. If you've lost track of your savings after changing jobs, this guide will show you how to find an old retirement plan and take control of your financial future.

Quick Summary

You can find a forgotten retirement plan by contacting former employers, searching government databases like the Department of Labor's Retirement Savings Lost and Found, or reviewing old financial records and W-2 forms.

Key Points

Start with Your Records: Check old W-2s, tax returns, and statements for former employers and plan providers to begin your search.
Contact Former Employers: The Human Resources department of your previous company is the most direct route to finding your old retirement plan details.
Search Government Databases: Utilize federal and state resources, including the DOL's Retirement Savings Lost and Found and the PBGC's unclaimed benefits list, to locate forgotten funds.
Use Unclaimed Property Databases: Search your state's unclaimed property division or MissingMoney.com, as some accounts are turned over to the state if you cannot be located.
Know Your Rollover Options: After finding your funds, you can roll them into an IRA for greater control, consolidate them into your new 401(k), or, if necessary, leave them with the old provider.
Beware of Scams: Be cautious of for-profit companies charging high fees to find your funds; most searches can be done for free using government and public resources.

Your Guide to Reclaiming Lost Retirement Funds

Many people change jobs several times throughout their careers, and with each transition, there is a chance that a retirement account can be left behind and forgotten. Thankfully, you can reclaim these valuable assets through a systematic search process. This article provides a comprehensive guide to help you find and recover your old retirement plan.

Step 1: Gather Your Personal Information and Records

Begin your search by collecting all relevant personal and professional documents. Useful records include old W-2 forms, tax returns, benefit statements, your Social Security number, and a list of former employers.

Step 2: Contact Your Former Employers

If your previous employer is still operating, contact their Human Resources (HR) department. They should be able to provide information about your account or the plan administrator. Even if the company was acquired, the new company may hold the records.

Tips for contacting former employers:

Ask for the HR or Benefits department.
Provide your full name, Social Security number, and employment dates.
If HR can't help, request contact information for the plan administrator.

Step 3: Utilize Government and Public Databases

Several databases can help locate lost funds, especially if a former employer is out of business or funds were moved.

U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Retirement Savings Lost and Found: This database, established by the SECURE 2.0 Act, helps you search for benefits using your Social Security number and a secure Login.gov account.
Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC): Use the PBGC's database if you had a traditional pension from a terminated plan.
National Registry of Unclaimed Retirement Benefits (NRURB): This database lists unclaimed balances reported by employers and administrators.
National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA): Search your state's unclaimed property database via the state's website or MissingMoney.com, as some funds are turned over to the state.
DOL's Abandoned Plan Search: This resource is for plans terminated without a successor administrator and provides information on the Qualified Termination Administrator.

Step 4: After You Locate Your Account

Once you find your old account, you have options for managing the funds. Consider the pros and cons of each:

Comparison of Rollover Options


Feature	Rollover to New 401(k)	Rollover to IRA	Cash Out	Leave Where It Is
Pros	Consolidates funds; employer contributions continue.	More investment control; portability.	Immediate cash access.	No action needed; potentially low fees.
Cons	Limited investment choices; tied to new employer plan.	Self-managed; potentially higher fees.	Penalties (if under 59.5) and taxes; reduces savings.	Easily forgotten; no new contributions; limited options.
Best For	Employees liking their new plan and seeking simplicity.	Individuals wanting flexibility and control.	Discouraged due to penalties; only in urgent need.	Individuals satisfied with the current plan's performance and costs.

Step 5: Secure Your Financial Future

Prevent future loss by consolidating accounts into an IRA or your current 401(k). Keep your address updated with administrators and maintain a secure record of all financial accounts. Regularly review your investments.

By following these steps, you can effectively how to find an old retirement plan, reclaim lost savings, and build a secure financial future. For more on participant rights, visit the Pension Rights Center.

Conclusion: Taking Control of Your Retirement

Finding a lost retirement account is a significant step toward financial security. By reviewing records, using databases, and contacting former employers, you can recover these assets. Deciding how to manage the funds, whether through consolidation or other options, is crucial. Proactive financial management helps ensure a secure retirement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, it is surprisingly common to lose track of a retirement plan, especially if you have changed jobs frequently. Account information can get lost in moves, forgotten in email clutter, or misplaced over time, particularly if a former employer has merged or gone out of business. This is why it’s important to know how to find an old retirement plan.

Created by the SECURE 2.0 Act, the U.S. Department of Labor's Retirement Savings Lost and Found is a new database designed to help workers and beneficiaries find lost or forgotten retirement benefits. You can search it securely using a Login.gov account.

If your former employer no longer exists, you should turn to government resources. Start with the DOL's Abandoned Plan Search or the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) database. The funds would have been transferred to a new administrator or entity for safekeeping.

If you had a traditional pension, start your search with the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC), which insures and tracks many terminated pension plans. You can also contact the former company's HR department or a union associated with the company.

Yes. If a company cannot locate a former employee, funds from dormant accounts, including retirement accounts, are sometimes escheated (turned over) to the state's unclaimed property division. You can search for free on your state's website or through the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA) website.

To get started, you will need your Social Security number, your full name, the names of your former employers, and your dates of employment. Any old account statements or W-2 forms are also extremely helpful.

It is almost always better to roll over your funds into a new retirement account, such as an IRA or your current employer's 401(k). Cashing out your account before age 59.5 often incurs significant tax penalties and reduces your long-term retirement savings.

References

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding personal health decisions.