How to find a lost pension or 401(k)

Changed jobs a few times? Retirement money is easy to leave behind, especially when a company is sold, merges or closes its plan. Two free federal searches can help you track it down.

Pensions from plans that ended: PBGC

The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation is the federal agency that backs private-sector pensions. When a plan ends and some people can't be found, PBGC holds their benefits.

• Search with your last name and the last four digits of your Social Security number on PBGC's unclaimed benefits search.
• The list is updated every three months.
• A match isn't proof you're owed money. It's the first step; PBGC confirms the details by phone.

Any old plan: Retirement Savings Lost and Found

The Department of Labor's Retirement Savings Lost and Found shows private-sector employer and union plans linked to your Social Security number, including 401(k)s and pensions, with contact details for each plan.

• You sign in with a Login.gov account that verifies your identity; have your driver's license and phone ready.
• It doesn't cover IRAs, government or some religious plans, or Social Security.
• It shows that you were in a plan, not what's in it. The plan administrator confirms what you're owed.
• You can only search your own records.

Also worth checking

• Your state's unclaimed property search, through MissingMoney.com. Small retirement balances are sometimes sent there.
• Old statements and W-2s, which name the plan or employer to contact.

The Department of Labor doesn't charge to recover funds and warns against paying anyone who offers to do it for you. Taxpayer Treasures is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with PBGC or the Department of Labor.