How to find old or lost pensions

Start by listing all the employers you’ve had. Even if you were not there long, it’s still worth checking if you’re entitled to anything. If you set up your own pension scheme, like a personal pension, add that too. 

Only cross an employer off your list if you’re certain you:

• did not have a pension set up there, or
• have already received a refund of your pension money. 

You might have had your pension contributions refunded if you left your employer:

• before April 1975
• from April 1975 to April 1988 and you:
  • worked there less than five years, or 
  • were under 26 when you left.
• since April 1988, having worked there less than two years.

You need to know the name of your pension provider(s) before you can find their contact details.

You could:

• check old paperwork for details of your pension scheme, including the provider or administrator – most pension schemes will send you a statement every year
• contact your previous employers or ask old colleagues for the pension provider’s name
• use Gretel, a free service to trace lost pensionsOpens in a new window, accounts and investments.

If your old employer has gone bust, check if they appear on the Pension Protection Fund’s list of schemesOpens in a new window – this means your scheme has been transferred to them to run instead.

Once you have a list of all your pension providers, the next step is to find their contact details.

The Pension Tracing Service lets you:

• find pension contact details online on GOV.UK
• request pension contact details by phone or postOpens in a new window

If you’re struggling to find your pension provider’s contact details, check if they’re listed on the Association of British Insurers’ websiteOpens in a new window This will show you who to contact if your pension provider has a new name, has been taken over or merged. 

Your pension provider will need as much information as possible in order to match you to a pension. They might ask for:

• your National Insurance NumberOpens in a new window

• previous names and addresses

• the dates you worked for the company

• when you think the pension was set up.

If the pension provider finds a record for you, check they have your correct contact details. This means they can send you annual statements and other important information, like whether you’re paying any fees.

For more information on what to do with any pension you’ve found, including the pros and cons of bringing your pensions together, see our guide Ways to boost your pension.