Could You Have Retirement Savings You Forgot About?

October 7, 2026

Changing jobs can mean changing email addresses, benefits and retirement plans. Over the course of a career, it can also become surprisingly easy to lose track of retirement savings left with a former employer.

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Retirement Savings Lost and Found Database is designed to help workers reconnect with retirement benefits they may have earned through previous jobs.

Launched in December 2024, the online database provides a centralized place to search for certain retirement plans connected to former employers.

What Retirement Plans Can You Find?

The database includes retirement plans offered by private-sector employers and labor unions, including:

• Pension plans, which generally provide a defined retirement benefit based on the plan’s terms.
• 401(k) plans, which allow employees to contribute toward retirement and may also include employer contributions.

The database does not include Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), government employee plans, church plans or Social Security benefits.

How to Search for Lost Retirement Savings

If you think you may have retirement benefits from a previous employer, you can search the database at lostandfound.dol.gov.

You’ll need to create or use a Login.gov account and verify your identity. From there, you can search for retirement plans associated with your employment history and find information that may help you reconnect with the appropriate plan administrator.

Family members and beneficiaries may also be able to use the database to locate retirement benefits belonging to a deceased worker.

Why It’s Worth Checking

Retirement accounts can be easy to overlook, particularly after changing jobs, moving or working for a company that later merged, closed or changed names.

And those forgotten accounts can add up. As of May 2023, an estimated 29.2 million forgotten 401(k) accounts held approximately $1.65 trillion in assets.

The Retirement Savings Lost and Found Database is continuing to grow as additional information becomes available. That means even if you don't find a former retirement plan today, it may be worth checking again in the future.

What Happens If You Find a Plan?

Finding a match in the database is the first step. The Department of Labor does not hold or distribute the retirement funds. Instead, the database can provide information to help you identify and contact the plan administrator responsible for your benefits.

If you’ve changed jobs during your career and aren't sure what happened to an old retirement account, taking a few minutes to search could help you reconnect with savings you earned years ago.

Take the Next Step With Your Retirement Savings

Finding an old 401(k) can also be a good opportunity to take a closer look at your overall retirement strategy. Understanding where your retirement savings are held, how your accounts work together and whether your current savings approach aligns with your long-term goals can help you make more informed decisions about your future.

Have questions about your 401(k) or retirement plan? Contact a Security National Bank advisor to discuss your retirement goals, explore your options and learn more about strategies that may help you prepare for the years ahead.