Most of us change jobs several times during our working lives. Each move can bring a new workplace pension, and older pots can become harder to keep track of as the years pass.
The scale of the issue is significant. The Pensions Policy Institute estimated that 3.3 million pension pots worth £31.1 billion were lost in 2024 – up by nearly £5 billion since 2022. The average lost pot was worth £9,470, rising to £13,620 for people aged 55 to 75.
Why are pensions lost?
Pensions can become difficult to track for a variety of reasons, including:
- Changing jobs several times throughout your career
- Moving home and not updating pension providers with your new address
- Employer pension schemes merging, changing provider or rebranding
- Losing paperwork over the years
- Having multiple workplace pension arrangements built up over different roles
Even relatively small pension pots can grow significantly over time. Knowing where all your retirement savings are held can help you make more informed decisions about your future.
How to trace an old pension
1. Gather details of previous employers
Make a list of organisations you have worked for during your career, including approximate dates of employment.
Old payslips, P60s, employment contracts and pension statements can help identify previous pension arrangements.
2. Contact the pension provider
If you know the name of the pension provider, you can contact them directly to request information about your pension benefits.
You may need to provide personal details, including previous addresses and National Insurance information, to help them locate your records.
3. Use the Government’s Pension Tracing Service
The Government’s free Pension Tracing Service can help you find the contact details for a workplace or personal pension scheme. You will usually need the name of the employer or pension provider to search.
It will not tell you whether you have a pension or what it is worth. Once you have the scheme’s details, you will need to contact the provider directly. Be careful to use the official Government service, as similarly named commercial services also exist. LINK: Find pension contact details – GOV.UK
4. Use the MoneyHelper Pensions Dashboard when it opens to the public
The MoneyHelper Pensions Dashboard is being developed to let you view information about your State Pension, workplace pensions and personal pensions together online. By July 2026, nearly 1,500 schemes and providers had connected more than 70 million workplace and personal pension records – around 85% of those in scope – alongside State Pension records. All schemes and providers in scope must connect by 31 October 2026. Public access is expected during the 2027/28 financial year; the industry will receive at least six months’ notice of the launch date. The dashboard will help you view information, but it will not move or combine pensions for you.
Research into lost pensions is also being updated. The Pensions Policy Institute’s 2026 survey has been expanded to include defined benefit schemes for the first time, with updated findings due to be published in October 2026. Until those results are available, the 2024 figures remain the latest published estimate.
Why tracing pensions matters
Having a complete picture of your pension savings can help you:
- Assess whether you’re on track for retirement
- Understand what retirement income you may have available
- Avoid duplicating pension arrangements unnecessarily
- Make informed decisions about pension contributions and retirement plans
- Consider whether consolidating pensions may be appropriate
Combining pensions is not right for everyone. A transfer could mean giving up valuable guarantees, protections or benefits, so it is important to understand what you have before making any changes.
Don’t let your retirement savings go unnoticed
Tracing an old pension may feel like one more job for the to-do list, but it could reconnect you with savings you have built up over many years – and give you a clearer view of the retirement you are working towards.
The Pensions Dashboard should make it easier to see your pensions together once it opens. In the meantime, there is no need to wait if you think an old workplace or personal pension may be missing. A few simple checks today could help you feel more informed, confident and in control of your retirement plans.
FAQs
How do I know if I have a lost pension?
Start by listing every employer you have worked for and every personal pension you have opened. Compare this with the pension statements and online accounts you can find. If there is a gap, contact the former employer or use the Government’s Pension Tracing Service.
What information will I need?
It helps to have your National Insurance number, previous names and addresses, approximate employment dates, and any old policy or scheme details. Do not worry if you do not have everything – an employer or scheme name may be enough to begin your search.
Does the Pension Tracing Service show how much my pension is worth?
No. It helps you find a scheme’s contact details. You then contact the provider or administrator to confirm whether it holds a pension for you and request up-to-date information.
When will I be able to use the MoneyHelper Pensions Dashboard?
The dashboard is expected to become available during the 2027/28 financial year. There is no confirmed public launch date yet, so you do not need to wait before tracing an old pension.
Will the dashboard show every pension straight away?
It will search the schemes and providers connected to the system using your verified details. Some information may be incomplete or may need you to contact the provider, particularly during the early stages of the service.
Should I combine my pensions once I find them?
Not automatically. Bringing pensions together can make them easier to manage, but you could lose valuable guarantees, protected benefits or favourable terms. Charges, investment choices and tax implications also need to be considered, so it is sensible to take advice before transferring.
How Insight can help
Finding your pensions is the first step. The next is understanding how they fit together and what they could mean for the retirement you want.
Our independent financial advisers can help you review what you have, understand your options and see whether your retirement plans are on track. They can also explain whether any changes may be suitable for your circumstances.
If you would like help bringing your pensions together into one clear picture, speak to your Insight financial adviser who can help you understand your existing arrangements and discuss the next steps that are right for you.
Sources & future reading
Progress update report | UK Pensions Dashboards Programme
20260420-ppi-lost-pensions-press-release.pdf
Pensions Dashboards Programme, Progress update report, July 2026; Department for Work and Pensions, Pensions dashboards: guidance on connection, updated August 2025.
Pensions Policy Institute, announcement of the Lost Pensions 2026 survey, April 2026.
https://www.pensionspolicyinstitute.org.uk/media/vh4aaq2j/20241024-ppi-bn138-lost-pensions-2024-final.pdf
How to find old or lost pensions | MoneyHelper
Disclaimer: Information is based on publicly available data and government announcements at the time of writing (October 2026) and may be subject to change.