How do I find forgotten 401(k) accounts?

Start by listing previous employers, then use tools like MissingMoney.com, the National Registry of Unclaimed Retirement Benefits, and the DOL Abandoned Plan Search to track down old accounts.

Can I claim retirement funds from a company that closed?

Yes. Use the PBGC Search or DOL Abandoned Plan Search for 401(k) or pension plans left with closed companies.

What happens if my retirement account is considered unclaimed property?

Funds may be turned over to your state's unclaimed property office. You can claim them by filing proof of identity and completing the claim process on your state treasury website.

$1.7 Trillion in Forgotten Retirement Funds: How to Claim Your Share

Over $1.7 trillion sits forgotten in old 401(k) accounts. You could be sitting on thousands in forgotten retirement savings — and not even know it.

Here’s how to find, reclaim, and put it to work — before it’s too late.

That's not pocket change — it's your future, sitting idle. And the longer it's forgotten, the less impact it has on your retirement goals.

Step 1: Identify the Type of Retirement Account

Start by asking yourself: What type of account could you have left behind?

A 401(k) from a past employer?
An old IRA you never rolled over?
A pension from a previous job?
A government plan, like the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)?

Make a list of previous jobs and financial providers. Don’t overlook employers from 10, 20, or even 30 years ago.

Step 2: Search for Your Missing Retirement Funds

Use these trusted tools to begin your search:

Tool	What It Does
MissingMoney.com	Searches state unclaimed property databases
National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators	Connects you to official state unclaimed property sites
Pension Benefit Guarantee Corporation	Finds unclaimed pension benefits from closed companies
National Registry of Unclaimed Retirement Benefits	Searches for 401(k)s left with previous employers
DOL Abandoned Plan Search	Helps locate plans from companies that no longer exist

Pro Tip: Search under former names or addresses, especially if you've moved or changed your name since leaving the job.

Interactive: Learn More About Each Account Type

401(k) from a past employer

Old IRA you never rolled over

Pension from a previous job

Government plan (like TSP)

Step 3: Understand What Happens to Forgotten Funds

Your money doesn’t disappear — but it often ends up out of sight. Here’s where it typically goes:

Scenario	What Happens
Left a 401(k) behind	May be rolled into a "safe harbor IRA" by the employer
Account inactive for years	Could be deemed dormant and turned over to your state’s unclaimed property office
Employer closed	PBGC (Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation) may take control
Old address or contact info	Financial institutions may classify you as “unreachable,” triggering escheatment to the state

Step 4: Reclaim and Access the Funds

Once you’ve found your money, here’s how to get it back:

Work With the Right Entity:

State Unclaimed Property Office:
- File a claim on the state treasury website
- Provide proof of identity and address history
- Claims may take 2–8 weeks
Financial Institution or IRA Custodian:
- Contact the firm directly
- You may need to update your contact info or sign a transfer form
Former Employer or Plan Administrator:
- HR or benefits teams can direct you to the plan administrator
- You’ll likely need to show employment verification
PBGC (for pensions):
- Submit a claim through the Missing Participants Program
- Provide your employment history and personal ID

Step 5: Decide What to Do With the Funds

Once you’ve reclaimed your funds, you have three primary options:

Option	Description	What to Know
Roll over to a new IRA or 401(k)	Maintains tax-deferred status	No penalties if done as a direct rollover. Simplifies management.
Cash out	Receive funds directly	Subject to income tax and possibly a 10% early withdrawal penalty (if under age 59½)
Leave it where it is	Keep account at current custodian	Possible fees on dormant accounts; may lose track again

Important: If you're 73 or older, you may be required to take Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs).

Step 6: Making the Most of Your Recovered Funds

Finding your forgotten retirement money is an exciting first step, but now it’s time to think about how to use those funds wisely.

Here’s why working with a financial advisor can make all the difference:

Personalized guidance: A financial advisor helps you understand how your recovered funds fit into your overall retirement plan and long-term goals.
Tax-smart decisions: They can help you avoid costly tax mistakes, ensuring rollovers and withdrawals are handled properly.
Simplified management: Advisors often recommend consolidating multiple accounts, so you’re not juggling dozens of statements.
Compliance and timing: Advisors keep you on track with Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) and help prevent penalties.
Confidence and peace of mind: Knowing you have a plan and expert support takes a lot of stress out of financial decisions.

Even if you feel comfortable managing your own money, having a professional perspective can uncover opportunities and protect you from common pitfalls.