Where to start looking for a pension

If you have worked for a company or public employer and cannot find records of a pension, start by contacting the human resources or benefits department of that employer directly. They hold the master records and can tell you whether a pension was set up in your name, what it was worth when you left, and where the money went. If the company no longer exists, try the company's successor — many firms merge or are acquired, and pension obligations transfer with them.

If you cannot reach the original employer, the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) maintains a searchable database of pension plans that have ended or failed. You can search for your name and former employer at pbgc.gov. The PBGC does not hold all pensions — only those covered by federal insurance — but it is a free place to check.

For pensions from public employers like schools, cities, or state agencies, contact the pension fund directly. These are usually named after the state or municipality: the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS), the New York City Employees' Retirement System (NYCERS), or the Teachers Retirement System of Ohio, for example. A web search for "[your state] public pension" or "[your city] pension fund" will usually find the right office.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact your former employer's HR or benefits department first — they have the records and can tell you whether a pension exists and where it is held.
  • If the employer is gone, search the PBGC database at pbgc.gov to see if a private pension plan was insured and what happened to it.
  • Public employee pensions are held by state or local pension funds, which you can find by searching for your state or city name plus "pension fund" or "retirement system."
  • If you worked for multiple employers, you may have multiple pensions — check each one separately, as they do not automatically consolidate.
  • Unclaimed pensions sometimes end up in state unclaimed property programs; your state treasurer's office can search for money in your name.

What information you will need to provide

When you contact a pension fund or former employer, have your Social Security number, full legal name (including any maiden names or name changes), and the dates you worked there ready. If you have old pay stubs, a separation letter, or an employee handbook mentioning the pension plan, bring those too — they speed up the search.

If you worked under a different name than you use now, tell the pension fund. Many searches fail because the name on file does not match the name the person is searching under. The same applies if you were married and changed your name, or if you used a nickname at work.

When a pension fund says the money is gone

If a pension fund tells you the pension was cashed out, rolled over, or forfeited, ask for written documentation of what happened and when. Pensions can be cashed out as a lump sum if you leave a job before retirement age, but the fund must have sent you a notice and given you options — usually to take the money, roll it into an IRA, or leave it in the plan. If you did not receive that notice or do not remember making a choice, ask the fund to send you copies of the paperwork they have on file.

If a pension was rolled into an IRA or another retirement account, the fund can tell you which financial institution received it. You can then contact that institution to find the account. If the money was cashed out and you do not know what happened to the check, the fund can tell you the date it was issued and the amount — that information helps you search your old bank records or ask your bank to trace it.

Searching unclaimed property databases

If a pension fund cannot find a record of your pension, or if you suspect money was sent to you but you never received it, check your state's unclaimed property program. Every state maintains a database of money held by financial institutions, employers, and insurance companies that has no contact with the owner for a set period (usually three to five years). Pensions, pension payouts, and retirement account distributions sometimes end up there.

Search for free at MissingMoney.com, which is run by the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators and searches multiple states at once. You can also go directly to your state treasurer's office website and search there. If you find money in your name, the state will tell you how to claim it — usually by submitting a form and proof of identity.

What to do if you worked for a company that went bankrupt

If your former employer went bankrupt or closed, the pension plan may have been terminated. If it was a private sector pension covered by the PBGC, the corporation took over the plan and continues to pay benefits. Search the PBGC database first. If your plan is listed, the PBGC can tell you what your benefit is and how to start receiving it.

If the plan was not insured by the PBGC — which can happen with very small employers or plans that were not properly registered — you may have lost the pension. However, the plan's assets may have been distributed to a trustee or held in escrow. Ask the bankruptcy court or the company's bankruptcy trustee whether pension assets were recovered and where they went. This information is public record.

Pensions from military service or government work

Military pensions are handled by the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS). If you served in the armed forces and are not receiving a pension, contact DFAS at 1-800-321-1080 or visit dfas.mil. Have your Social Security number and service dates ready.

Federal employee pensions are managed by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). If you worked for a federal agency, contact OPM at 1-888-767-6738 or visit opm.gov. State and local government pensions vary by employer, so contact the specific pension fund for that agency or municipality.

When you find the pension but cannot access it yet

Some pensions cannot be paid out until you reach a certain age, usually 55 or 62 depending on the plan. If a pension fund tells you a pension exists but you are not yet may be able to access to receive it, ask for a statement showing the current value and the date you become may be able to access. Keep this document — you will need it when you are ready to claim the pension.

If you are already past the age when the pension should have started, ask the fund why payments have not begun. Sometimes a pension goes unpaid because the fund lost contact with you, or because paperwork was never completed. The fund can usually restart payments retroactively, though the process may take several weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I do not remember which company I worked for or when?

Look for old tax returns, W-2 forms, or Social Security statements — these list employers by year. You can also request a complete earnings record from the Social Security Administration at ssa.gov. Once you know the employer and dates, contact that company's HR department or search the PBGC database.

Can I search for someone else's pension?

Generally no — pension funds will only release information to the person whose name is on the account or to a legal representative with power of attorney. If someone has died, a spouse or executor may be able to access the account, but you will need to provide a death certificate and proof of your relationship.

Is there a fee to search for or claim a pension?

No. Pension funds, the PBGC, and state unclaimed property programs do not charge to search for or claim your money. Be wary of third-party services that charge a fee to find your pension — you can do this search yourself for free.

What if the pension fund says I forfeited the pension by not claiming it?

Ask for the specific rule or plan document that says this. Most pensions cannot be forfeited simply by not claiming them — they remain yours. However, if a pension was cashed out and you did not respond to the fund's notice, the money may have been moved to unclaimed property. Check your state's unclaimed property database.

How long does it take to receive a pension payment once I find it?

If the pension is already active, you may receive the first payment within one to two months of contacting the fund. If the pension needs to be activated or if paperwork is missing, it can take longer. Ask the fund for a timeline when you first contact them.