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How-to · Step-by-step

How to trace a lost pension in the UK

In short. Use the free Pension Tracing Service at gov.uk/find-pension-contact-details with your previous employers' names. The MoneyHelper Pensions Dashboards Programme aims to bring all your pensions into one online view.

Around £31bn of UK pension savings are estimated by the ABI to be unclaimed because people move jobs and lose contact with old schemes. The good news: the official tracing service is free.

Last reviewed:

·Estimated time: 60 min·Cost: Free

What you'll need

  • Names of previous employers and approximate dates worked
  • Names of any personal pension providers you remember opening with
  • National Insurance number

The steps

  1. 01

    List every employer and personal pension

    Write down every employer you've ever had and any personal pension you've opened (including stakeholder schemes). Check old paperwork, P60s and P45s for clues.

  2. 02

    Search the Pension Tracing Service

    At gov.uk/find-pension-contact-details, enter the employer or scheme name. The free service returns the latest contact details for the scheme administrator.

    Official link →

  3. 03

    Contact the scheme administrator

    Provide your NI number, dates of employment and any member number you have. Ask for a current statement, charges, fund choice and any safeguarded benefits.

  4. 04

    Watch out for pension scams

    Genuine schemes don't cold-call. Anyone offering early access (before 55, rising to 57 in April 2028), 'guaranteed' high returns or unsolicited free reviews is almost certainly a scam.

    Official link →

  5. 05

    Track via the Pensions Dashboards Programme (when live for you)

    The Pensions Dashboards Programme, run by MoneyHelper, will let you see all your pensions in one place. Connection deadlines for providers run through 2025–2026; check the latest status.

    Official link →

Common pitfalls

  • Don't use paid 'pension finder' services — the official tracing service is free
  • Never accept unsolicited 'free pension reviews' — almost always a scam route
  • Old paper schemes may have moved administrator — the tracing service updates names automatically

FAQ

What does the tracing service give me?
It returns the current contact details of the pension scheme administrator. You then contact the scheme directly to confirm membership and get statements.
I can't remember my employer's name — what can I do?
Check old P60s, payslips and HMRC's 'employment history' service via your Personal Tax Account.
What if the scheme says I'm not a member?
Schemes are required to keep records for many years, but small contributions may have been refunded if you left within 30 days. If you believe there is a record, escalate via the Pensions Ombudsman.
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