How to Track Down Old Workplace Pensions You’ve Forgotten About

It’s common to move jobs several times throughout your career, especially at the start. This could be to move upwards, for better company benefits and culture, or for a new challenge. Gone are the days of previous generations where people worked for a company for life.

In the past 12 years I’ve been in four different jobs, and with each new job potentially comes a new workplace pension. And it’s surprisingly easy to lose track.

When I moved into my last job I consolidated a bunch of small pensions (as it was worthwhile) so I have less to keep track of. But I still have more than one.

The good news? Finding old pensions isn’t as complicated as it sounds.

Why it’s worth tracking them down

Every old pension pot is part of your future retirement income. Even small contributions made years ago can add up over time, especially when invested. Leaving them unclaimed means you could be missing out on thousands of pounds.

Step 1: Gather your old job details

Start by listing every job you’ve had, especially those after 2012 when automatic enrolment began. Include employer names, employment dates, and any paperwork you still have. Old payslips or P60s may also mention a pension provider.

Step 2: Use the Government’s Pension Tracing Service

The UK Government’s Pension Tracing Service is a free online tool that helps you find contact details for workplace or personal pension schemes. You’ll need your previous employer’s name and any identifying details.

Step 3: Contact the pension provider

Once you’ve found the provider, contact them with as much information as possible — your full name, date of birth, address history, and National Insurance number.

They can confirm whether you have a pension with them and what it’s worth.

Step 4: Check for lost personal pensions

If you ever set up a private pension alongside a workplace one, don’t forget to track those down too. Check your emails or bank statements for direct debits to pension companies.

Step 5: Consider consolidating your pensions

Once you’ve found them all, it might make sense to combine them into one pot. Consolidation can make it easier to manage your savings and reduce fees — but check first for exit charges or loss of benefits before transferring. Sometimes it’s worthwhile consolidating, other times it’s better to leave pensions where they are.

If you’re unsure here’s more info on whether you should consolidate your pensions.

Tracking down old pensions

Tracking down old pensions may sound tedious, but it’s one of the smartest financial moves you can make. Those forgotten pots could make a real difference to your pot of money and retirement comfort.

Take an hour, make that list, and start reclaiming what’s rightfully yours.