Lost Retirement Accounts: Resources to Find Your Missing Money
Have you ever wondered if you left behind a 401(k) or pension from an old job? You're not alone. With the average person changing jobs multiple times throughout their career, it's surprisingly common to lose track of retirement accounts along the way.
The good news? There are several free resources designed to help you track down these forgotten accounts.
Start With the Official Database
The National Registry of Unclaimed Retirement Benefits (www.unclaimedretirementbenefits.com) is your first stop. This free service allows you to search by name, Social Security number, or former employer to locate missing retirement funds.
Government Resources
The Department of Labor offers a helpful search tool at www.askebsa.dol.gov. Here you can:
- Search for terminated pension plans
- Find contact information for plan administrators
- Access forms to claim benefits
The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (www.pbgc.gov) maintains records of unclaimed pension benefits from plans that have ended. Their missing participant program has reunited thousands of people with their retirement money.
State-Level Searches
Don't forget to check your state's unclaimed property website. Many states hold onto abandoned retirement accounts and other financial assets. Simply search "[your state] unclaimed property" to find the official site. In Florida, that site is https://www.fltreasurehunt.gov/.
What You'll Need
When searching, have this information ready:
- Your Social Security number
- Previous employers' names and locations
- Approximate employment dates
- Maiden names or previous names
Take Action Today
Even small accounts can grow significantly over time, so it's worth spending a few minutes to search. If you find an old account, contact the plan administrator directly to begin the claim process.
Remember, there's no time limit on claiming your retirement benefits, but the sooner you find them, the sooner they can continue growing for your future. Need help consolidating your retirement accounts? We are here to help!
