How to Find Unclaimed Retirement Benefits

Many people leave behind 401(k)s, pensions, or other retirement accounts when changing jobs. Here are the best free and official ways to search for them.

Department of Labor Retirement Savings Lost and Found Database

  • Official government tool created under the SECURE 2.0 Act.

  • Website: lostandfound.dol.gov

  • Search using your Social Security number (requires identity verification through Login.gov).

  • Covers private-sector 401(k)s, pensions, and other workplace retirement plans.

National Registry of Unclaimed Retirement Benefits

  • Free nationwide database of forgotten retirement accounts.

  • Website: unclaimedretirementbenefits.com

  • Enter your Social Security number to check for matching accounts.

  • Provides contact information for the plan administrator if a match is found.

Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC)

  • For traditional pensions from plans that have ended.

  • Search the PBGC unclaimed benefits database on pbgc.gov.

  • Enter your last name and last four digits of your Social Security number.

  • Also check PBGC’s Missing Participants Program lists.

Contact Previous Employers

  • Reach out to the HR or benefits department of former employers.

  • Ask about any retirement plans you participated in and request current administrator contact information.

Department of Labor Form 5500 Search & Abandoned Plans

  • Search Form 5500 filings on the DOL website to find plan administrator details.

  • Check the DOL Abandoned Plan database if the company or plan no longer exists.

State Unclaimed Property Databases

  • Retirement funds are sometimes turned over to state unclaimed property offices.

  • Search free at missingmoney.com or your state’s official unclaimed property website (search for every state where you lived or worked).

Extra Tips

  • Gather old pay stubs, W-2s, or plan statements if you have them — they make searches easier.

  • Be prepared to verify your identity (Social Security number, date of birth, previous addresses).

  • Once you locate an account, contact the plan administrator to claim or roll over the funds.

  • These searches are free — avoid any service that charges upfront fees.

Start with the DOL Lost and Found Database and the National Registry, then expand to the other options. Most people find results within a few searches.

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