The Lost 401(k) Search Tool Can Help Track Down Old Accounts — If You Know What to Enter

Job benefits can be a major factor when people consider a new position, but changing employers can make it easy to lose track of retirement money left behind. A federal Retirement Savings Lost and Found Database was created to help address that problem.

The database, introduced at the end of 2024, is designed to make it easier to locate forgotten 401(k) plans, pensions, and other workplace retirement benefits. Even so, you still need certain information to use it effectively.

What the database does and does not cover

The SECURE 2.0 Act led to the creation of the database so workers and beneficiaries could more easily find retirement plans tied to past jobs. It includes private-sector employer and union plans, but it does not search for IRAs, Social Security benefits, or plans sponsored by the government or some religious organizations.

It is also important to note that finding a plan in the database does not mean money is immediately available. Some listed plans may already have been paid out or rolled over. The database is only an initial step; you still have to contact the plan administrator to determine what, if anything, remains available.

What you need before searching

To use the search tool, you first need an ID-verified Login.gov account. You will also need key personal details such as your legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, and photos of the front and back of a valid driver’s license.

Once your identity has been confirmed, you can search for benefits using your Social Security number.

Other places to check

The lost 401(k) database is a useful starting point, but it should not be your only resource. As a backup, you can look through sites such as missingmoney.com to see whether you have unclaimed accounts in a state database. You can also search for unclaimed property through unclaimed.org/search, which is operated by the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators, or NAUPA.

If you have questions about employee benefits, you can contact the Employee Benefits Security Administration through AskEBSA.dol.gov or by calling 1-866-444-3272.

It can also help to gather old W-2s, pay stubs, 401(k) statements, and the names of former employers. Reviewing your own records matters because the database may include outdated information.