Did You Leave Retirement Money Behind? Here’s How to Find It
March 26, 2026
Changing jobs is part of life, but it can sometimes mean leaving retirement savings behind without realizing it. The good news? There’s now a simple way to check if you’ve left money behind.
To help solve this problem, the U.S. Department of Labor has created powerful new tool designed to reconnect Americans with their forgotten retirement funds.
What is the Retirement Savings Lost and Found Database?
Launched in December 2024, the Retirement Savings Lost and Found Database is a free online resource designed to help you find retirement benefits from previous employers.
Think of it as a central hub where you can search for forgotten 401(k)s or pensions that may still be sitting in your name.
What Types of Plans Are Included?
The database includes retirement plans from private employers and labor unions, such as:
- Pension plans (which provide a set payment in retirement)
- 401(k) plans (where you and your employer contribute over time)
There are a few things it doesn’t cover:
- IRAs (Individual Retirement Accounts)
- Government employee plans
- Church plans
- Social Security benefits
How Do You Use It?
Getting started is simple:
- Head to https://lostandfound.dol.gov
- Create a secure Login.gov account
- Verify your identity
- Search using your name and Social Security number
From there, you’ll be able to see if any past employers still have retirement funds tied to your name.
Who Should Check?
This tool is helpful for:
- Anyone who has changed jobs over the years
- People nearing or in retirement
- Family members or beneficiaries of someone who has passed away
The database is still growing, but it already includes many individuals—especially those age 65 and older who may have earned benefits in the past.
Why it Matters
The results might be more significant than you expect. As of May 2023, nearly 29.2 million 401(k) accounts had been left behind, holding an estimated $1.65 trillion in assets. That’s a substantial amount of money sitting unclaimed—often due to job changes, company mergers, or outdated contact information.
If your search uncovers a forgotten account, you’ll receive details about the plan and can contact the administrator directly. From there, you can claim the funds or roll them into another retirement account.
A Simple Step Toward Your Financial Future
It only takes a few minutes to check and it could make a meaningful difference in your retirement savings. If you do find an old account and aren’t sure what to do next, we’re here to help you review your options and make the most of your savings.