How to trace lost pensions

Written by Retirement Line

Last Updated: 11th September 2025

Have you lost track of a pension?

Millions of people in the UK have lost track of some of their pension savings. It’s left billions of pounds in valuable retirement funds unclaimed. If you want to know how to find lost pensions, this guide will help you.

If you’ve ever asked yourself “How do I find my pensions from years ago?” you’re not alone. Research shows there are over 3.3 million lost pension pots worth more than £31 billion. This guide explains how to find old pensions and recover valuable retirement savings you may not even know you had.

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Why finding lost pensions matters for retirement

For those of us approaching retirement or already enjoying it, every penny counts. When people change jobs, move house, retire, or if their employers undergo mergers or restructure, pension plans can get lost. This means you might have money sitting in a forgotten pension account that could enhance your retirement savings. 

By taking the time to find lost pensions, no matter how small, the collective funds could provide you with a financial boost in retirement – or fund some long-awaited retirement adventures!

Find lost pensions and regain control of your investments

If you have one or more lost or old pensions then you won’t be keeping an eye on how your money in them is being invested. As some people approach retirement, they take a lower-risk strategy with their investments to protect their money. This is known as ‘lifestyling’.

In its simplest terms, lifestyling means gradually moving your pension funds from riskier, higher-growth assets, such as shares, into lower-risk assets. Whilst this means that your money has a lower potential of returns, you have a better chance of protecting your nest egg. This helps to ensure it doesn’t fall in value just before you retire.

Once you find your lost pensions, you’ll be able to keep a close eye on their performance until you’re ready to access your money by purchasing an annuity, for example.

Combine old pensions into one manageable fund

By putting in the time now to find and trace your old pensions, you can make the process of retirement much smoother and hassle-free. Once you have found all your old pension pots, you may even choose to consolidate them into one easy-to-manage pension fund.

There are a number of potential benefits to consolidating your pension funds. Having one larger pot can make it easier for you to keep an eye on how your investments are performing. In addition, if you choose an annuity for some or all of your retirement income, you might achieve better rates and income if you have one larger pot to fund your annuity purchase.

Consolidation isn’t for everyone, however. For example, you may have pension savings in a scheme with valuable benefits that would be lost if you transfer them to another scheme. The government-backed Money Helper website has useful information about consolidation. You may also wish to seek specialist guidance or advice before making a decision.  

Why finding lost pensions helps your family

It’s easy to put financial tasks such as these off for another day, but consider what happens should something happen to you. The responsibility might fall to your family to locate and claim your untraced funds. It could be particularly challenging for them to access these pension pots if you are no longer around. 

By proactively tracing old pensions, you can simplify the financial affairs of your estate, ensuring your family faces fewer challenges at an already difficult time.

Step-by step: how to find lost or old pensions in the UK

Tracing lost pensions can be a straightforward process today thanks to services available in the UK specifically designed to assist you. Here’s how to find lost pensions, recover pensions from years ago, and trace old schemes.

Step one: make a list of where you’ve worked

It sounds simple, but just to make sure you don’t overlook anything, write down all the places you have worked. If you can, make a note also of your starting and leaving dates.

Now cross off any employers who you know for certain didn’t set up a pension for you, and any who refunded your pension money when you left their employment.

Step two: identify your pension schemes 

Most pension schemes do send a statement each year, so it’s worth checking through your document files, drawers or anywhere else you might store important paperwork.

If you had a workplace pension with an employer but cannot remember the provider, maybe you can ask former colleagues if they have anything relating to the company’s pension scheme.

If a company you worked at is still active, you can of course contact them for help. Their HR team would likely be a good starting point as they usually deal with pensions. Have your date of birth, NI number, and employment dates ready when you contact them.

Step three: use the Pension Tracing Service to look for lost pensions  

If you don’t know the details of your pension scheme/s and cannot get in touch with your previous employer/s, then you can use the Pension Tracing Service. This is a free government service that searches a database of more than 200,000 workplace and personal pension schemes to reconnect savers with their money. You can call 0800 731 0193 or use the online tool to find lost pensions with your NI number.

Step four: contact your pension schemes 

Once you have found the names of any pension scheme providers, contact them to update your details and request a pension statement. Provide your date of birth and National Insurance (NI) number and, if you can, your employer details, dates for when you worked there and the date your pension was set up.

Find my pension: start your lost pension search today 

By actively searching for lost pensions, you can trace unclaimed money, simplify your estate's financial affairs and keep a closer eye on how your money is invested. You might even find that the extra money sees you enjoying a higher retirement income for life.

Don't let your hard-earned retirement savings slip through the cracks. Start the search for your lost pensions today… your future self will thank you!

For further information and help, you can visit:

• Money Helper - a government-backed service with a guide on how to find lost pensions.

• Pension Tracing Service - an online tool that helps you find contact details for pension schemes.

• Gretel - a free service launched in 2022 that checks with schemes to see if they have a record of your pension.

Remember, after tracing your old pension schemes you can use our free online tool to find out how much retirement income you could achieve from your pension fund.

Lost pensions FAQs: How do I find old pensions?

How do I find my pensions from years ago?

Start by checking old paperwork for pension statements. If you can’t find any statements, contact your previous employer or use the government’s free Pension Tracing Service.

Can I find a lost pension using my National Insurance number?

Yes, and your NI number is in fact one of the easiest ways to trace lost pensions. The Pension Tracing Service and most providers will ask for it when locating your old pensions.

What if I can’t remember who my pension provider was?

Your former employer should be able to help you. If not, the Pension Tracing Service can search its database of workplace and personal pensions.

Is there a free service to help me find my pension?

Yes, the Pension Tracing Service is completely free and available online or by phone.

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