# How to trace a lost pension in the UK

> How-to · Last reviewed 26 May 2026

Canonical HTML: https://moneyguide.org.uk/how-to/trace-a-lost-pension/
Markdown mirror: https://moneyguide.org.uk/how-to/trace-a-lost-pension.md

## Quick answer

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.

## Steps

### 1. 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. 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.

Source: https://www.gov.uk/find-pension-contact-details

### 3. 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. 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.

Source: https://www.thepensionsregulator.gov.uk/en/pension-scams

### 5. 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.

Source: https://www.pensionsdashboardsprogramme.org.uk/

## 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

## Frequently asked questions

### 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.

## Sources

- [GOV.UK — Find pension contact details](https://www.gov.uk/find-pension-contact-details)
- [MoneyHelper — Pension scams](https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/money-troubles/scams/how-to-spot-a-pension-scam)
- [Pensions Dashboards Programme](https://www.pensionsdashboardsprogramme.org.uk/)

---

Independent UK money guidance from [Money Guide](https://moneyguide.org.uk). Information only — not regulated financial advice.