How to Find a Lost 401(k) From a Former Employer

If you’ve ever changed jobs, you may have left a 401k (or other retirement account) behind. Millions of Americans change jobs every year.  When that happens, retirement savings can get lost (or forgotten) - especially if you moved, forgot your old login, or if the company was bought by another business. The good news? That money is still yours. You just need to know where to look.

Start With Your Old Employer

Contact the HR or the benefits department of the company at your old job. They can provide information about your account and who manages it. 

Contact the Plan Administrator

If you know the name of the financial institution that managed the plan, call them directly. Be prepared to provide identifying information, such as your Social Security number. They can confirm if you still have an account and how to access it. You may be asked to update your mailing address to receive statements or rollover instructions.

Try Online Tools

If you cannot get information directly from your former employer or the plan administrator, try using available online resources:

• Department of Labor’s Form 5500 Database: The U.S. Department of Labor maintains a searchable database of Form 5500 filings from retirement plans. Search for your former employer’s name to find the most recent filing, which lists the plan administrator’s contact details.

• National Registry of Unclaimed Retirement Benefits: This website allows you to search for unclaimed retirement benefits using your Social Security number. 

• State Unclaimed Property Databases: Check with your state's unclaimed property database (e.g., MissingMoney.com). 

• EBSA's Abandoned Plan Program: If your former employer or plan administrator is no longer in business, this program (managed by the U.S. Department of Labor) may be helpful. 

• EBSA Retirement Savings Lost and Found Database: This newer tool from the Department of Labor can help you locate 401(k)s and other defined-contribution plans.

• Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC): The PBGC has a search tool to locate unclaimed retirement benefits. 

Roll Over or Consolidate Your Funds

Once you find your old retirement account you can leave it where it is (if allowed), roll it over to your new employer’s plan, or transfer it into an IRA. Rolling over can simplify your retirement savings and help you keep better track of your money. Be sure to request a direct rollover to avoid unnecessary taxes or penalties.

Many 401k plans will “force out” accounts of a terminated employee if the account balance is below $7,000.  401k plans are required to notify the participant in writing and give them at least 30 days to voluntarily take control of their account.  If no action is taken the employer will roll the balance into a default IRA in the former employee’s name.  Note that when the balance is below $1,000 the employer also has the option to issue a check for the account balance.  Any distribution to the employee will be subject to income tax including a 10% early withdrawal penalty if under age 59½ . 

Looking Ahead Tips

• Keep records of every 401(k) you have: account numbers, plan administrator, and login info.

• Update your address anytime you move if not rolling over to your current plan or IRA.

• Review annually to make sure your investments are aligned with your overall financial plan.

Bottom line: Your retirement savings don’t expire. Even if time has passed, you can still track down and reclaim your old account(s) with a little bit of research and persistence.