How to Find a Lost Pension
The free Pension Tracing Service helps when you know an employer or pension provider name but have lost paperwork or contact details. It gives you the scheme’s address and phone number so you can ask about your own membership. It will not tell you whether you have a pension or what it is worth—you must contact the scheme after tracing.
What the service does
According to GOV.UK, the Pension Tracing Service is a free online tool that provides contact details for your workplace or personal pension scheme. You can also use it to find details for someone else’s scheme if you have their permission. GOV.UK is explicit: the tracer will not tell you whether you have a pension or what it is worth.
What you need before you search
You need the name of an employer or a pension provider.
Other ways to ask
You can use the online service on GOV.UK or contact the Pension Tracing Service by phone on 0800 731 0175. From outside the UK, GOV.UK lists +44 (0)191 218 7777. Relay UK users can dial 18001 then 0800 731 0175.
Phone lines are open Monday to Friday, 10am to 3pm. You can also write to The Pension Service, Post Handling Site A, Wolverhampton, WV98 1AF.
After you find the scheme
Once you have contact details, write or call the scheme administrator. Ask whether you were a member, whether the pot is still invested, and how to update your address.
You may have several small pots from workplace pensions if you opted in or were auto-enrolled at different jobs. Combining pots is optional and has rules; your scheme can explain your options.
Your State Pension forecast is separate from workplace pots.
More guides are in the pensions hub.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Pension Tracing Service actually provide?
According to GOV.UK, it gives contact details for your own workplace or personal pension scheme, or for someone else’s scheme if you have their permission. It does not confirm that you have a pension or state a value.
What information do I need to start a search?
You need the name of an employer or a pension provider. Without at least one of those, the service cannot point you to the right scheme administrator.
Can I use the service by phone or post?
Yes. GOV.UK lists phone numbers including 0800 731 0175, Monday to Friday 10am to 3pm, and a postal address at The Pension Service in Wolverhampton.
Will tracing tell me how much my pension is worth?
No. After you receive contact details, you must contact the scheme directly to ask about membership, transfers and valuations.
How does tracing relate to auto-enrolment?
Modern workplace pensions are usually set up when an employer enrols you. If you left a job years ago, tracing helps you find the administrator for that employer’s scheme.
Sources
Disclaimer: This article is general information and not personal financial, tax or legal advice. Check your own situation with HMRC, GOV.UK or a regulated adviser.