How to Search for a Lost Pension or Unclaimed Retirement Benefits
Step-by-step instructions for tracking down a lost pension from a former employer, including the government tools designed to help you recover what you are owed.
Search the PBGC unclaimed pension database
~25sQuick Tip
Try searching under any former last names — maiden names or names used before a legal name change.
Search the Department of Labor abandoned plan database
~15sSearch your state's unclaimed property database
~15sCheck the National Registry of Unclaimed Retirement Benefits
~15sContact former employers directly
~22sYou Did It!
You've completed: How to Search for a Lost Pension or Unclaimed Retirement Benefits
Need more help? Get Expert Help from a TekSure Tech
Millions of Americans have pension or retirement benefits they are entitled to but have never claimed — often because they lost track of an old employer, the company changed names, or they never knew the benefit existed.
If you have worked for multiple employers over your career, there may be money sitting unclaimed in a pension fund or 401(k) that you have forgotten about. The good news: there are free government and nonprofit tools designed specifically to help you find it.
The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC)
The PBGC is a federal agency that insures private-sector pension plans. When companies go bankrupt or terminate their pension plans, the PBGC takes over and pays benefits to eligible workers. The PBGC maintains a searchable database of unclaimed pensions at pbgc.gov. You can search by your name to see if you are owed benefits.
The Department of Labor's Abandoned Plan Database
When a company closes and its 401(k) plan is considered "abandoned," the Department of Labor's Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) maintains records. Search at askebsa.dol.gov/AbandonedPlanSearch.
Your state's unclaimed property program
When pension or retirement accounts go dormant, funds are sometimes turned over to the state as unclaimed property. Search for your state's unclaimed property website (most states have one) or use MissingMoney.com, a multi-state database.
National Registry of Unclaimed Retirement Benefits
The private-sector National Registry of Unclaimed Retirement Benefits (unclaimedretirementbenefits.com) maintains a database where former employers can register employees they have lost contact with, and where individuals can search for benefits.
Contacting former employers
Sometimes the most direct path is contacting the HR or benefits department of any former employer that offered a pension. Gather what you remember: your dates of employment, your job title, and any plan documents you received.
Quick Tip: Your Social Security earnings record (available at ssa.gov/myaccount) shows every employer who reported your wages. Use it as a reminder of where you have worked.
Was this guide helpful?
Your feedback helps us make TekSure better for everyone.
Want to rate with stars?
Still have questions?
Ask TekBrain a follow-up question about this guide. It’s free, no sign-up needed, and the answer will be in plain English.
Official Resources
Sources used to create and verify this guide. View all sources →
← Previous
Benefits That Become Available at Retirement Beyond Social Security
Next →
Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Insurance: What It Covers and When to Buy It
Still stuck? Let a pro handle it.
Our verified technicians can fix this issue for you — remotely or in person.
Related Guides
More from Money & Banking
How to Set Up Mobile Check Deposit on Your Phone
Deposit checks from your phone using your bank's app — no trip to the branch or ATM required.
2 min read
How to Send Money with Zelle
Send money to friends and family in minutes using Zelle — built into most major bank apps, with no fees.
2 min read
How to Use Venmo Safely
Set up Venmo, send payments to friends, and adjust privacy settings to keep your transactions private.
2 min read