If you’ve changed jobs a few times, there’s a decent chance you’ve left a pension behind. The good news is it’s still yours, and it’s usually easy to find a lost pension once you know where to look. Here’s exactly how to track it down, step by step, without paying anyone to do it for you.
How Common Are Lost Pensions in the UK?
More common than you’d think. The Pensions Policy Institute’s 2026 Lost Pensions research, published in October 2026, found more than three million lost pension pots in the UK. The average lost pot was worth around £6,220.
Most of these aren’t lost because of fraud. People simply move house, change jobs or forget about a small workplace pension, and the provider loses touch with them.
Since automatic enrolment started, most of us get a new pension with every new job. So the more jobs you’ve had, the more pots you could have scattered around.
Before You Start: What You Need to Find a Lost Pension
First, gather a few details. The more you have, the faster the search.
- The names of your past employers, and roughly when you worked there
- Any old payslips, P60s or pension letters
- Your National Insurance number
- Every address you’ve lived at since you started work
Don’t worry if you can’t find paperwork. An employer’s name is usually enough to get started.
How to Find a Lost Pension, Step by Step
Step 1: Check Your Old Paperwork and Emails
Start at home. Search your email inbox for words like “pension”, “annual statement” or the names of big providers. An old statement will have the provider’s name and your policy number, which makes everything quicker.
Step 2: Contact Your Old Employers
Next, get in touch with the HR or payroll team at any past employer. They can tell you which pension scheme you were in and who runs it now.
Step 3: Use the Free Pension Tracing Service
If you’re stuck, the government’s Pension Tracing Service on GOV.UK can help. You search by employer or provider name, and it gives you the current contact details for that scheme.
You can use it online or call 0800 731 0175, Monday to Friday, 10am to 3pm. Bear in mind that it won’t tell you whether you have a pension or what it’s worth. Instead, it points you to the right provider to ask.
Step 4: Contact the Pension Provider
Then, contact the provider with your name, date of birth, National Insurance number and old addresses. Ask them to confirm whether you have a pension, what it’s worth and how it’s invested.
While you’re there, update your address and email. That one change stops the pot going missing again.
Step 5: Check Your State Pension Too
Finally, don’t forget the State Pension. You can check your State Pension forecast on GOV.UK to see how much you could get and when. My guide to State Pension NI years explains how to fill any gaps.
Will Pensions Dashboards Help You Find a Lost Pension?
Yes, eventually. Pensions dashboards will let you see all your pensions in one place online, including the State Pension.
Pension schemes have had to connect to the system in stages, with a final deadline of 31 October 2026. However, the dashboards aren’t open to the public yet, and a public launch isn’t expected until the 2027 to 2028 financial year. So for now, the steps above are still the way to go.
Should You Combine Your Pensions Once You Find Them?
Bringing pots together can make them easier to manage and keep track of. Sometimes it can cut your fees too.
However, check a few things first, because transferring isn’t always the right move:
- Exit fees for leaving the old scheme
- Valuable guarantees, such as a guaranteed annuity rate
- Whether it’s a final salary (defined benefit) pension. If it’s worth more than £30,000, you must take regulated financial advice before transferring
- Whether your current workplace scheme accepts transfers in
If you want to manage everything yourself, a SIPP is one common place to bring pensions together.
Watch Out for Pension Scams
Lost pensions attract scammers. Cold calls about pensions are banned in the UK, so if someone rings out of the blue offering to find or unlock your pension, hang up.
Be wary of anyone promising guaranteed high returns or early access before age 55. Also, you never need to pay a company to find a lost pension, because the tracing service is free.
What to Do Once You’ve Found a Lost Pension
Once you’ve found it, add it to your retirement plan. My retirement calculator shows whether you’re on track, and my guide on how much you need to retire at 50 helps if you’re aiming high.
Even a small forgotten pot can grow a lot over 20 or 30 years. So it’s well worth an afternoon of phone calls.
Find a Lost Pension: FAQs
Is the Pension Tracing Service free?
Yes. It’s a free government service. Be wary of companies that charge to trace pensions for you.
Can I find a lost pension without my policy number?
Yes. The name of the employer or provider is usually enough, along with your National Insurance number and old addresses.
How long does it take to find a lost pension?
It varies. Some providers confirm details in days, while older schemes that have merged or closed can take a few weeks.
Can I find a pension for someone who has died?
Yes. The Pension Tracing Service can help, but you’ll usually need to show you’re dealing with their estate.
This post is for information only and isn’t financial advice. If you’re thinking of transferring a pension, consider speaking to a regulated financial adviser first.