How do I track down old workplace pensions?

Hi,

I've worked at lots of places - 5 years, 3 years - and now not working. How do I get a read out of all my workplace pensions and the money I've built up in my pots?

Thank you!

Hi there,

It sounds like you've got quite a few old pensions floating around from previous jobs. It’s easy to lose track, but the good news is that finding them isn’t too tricky – and getting everything in one place can help you see the bigger picture.

Here’s how to do it.

Step 1: Find your old pensions

Start by making a list of your past jobs and checking whether you had a pension with each employer. If you’re not sure:

• Ask your old employers – Their HR or payroll teams should be able to point you in the right direction.

• Use the Pension Tracing Service – A free government tool that can help you track down pension providers linked to your past employers. You’ll just need to enter the company name. Find it here.

Step 2: Gather the details

Once you’ve got the names of your old pension providers, you'll need to do the legwork yourself to get in touch and ask them for:

• Your current pension balance

• How your money’s being invested

• Any special benefits or fees attached

If you’re struggling to get answers, the government's MoneyHelper service has loads of useful advice and you can contact them Monday-Friday if you want to chat to a real person with the following:

Telephone: 0800 011 3797 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Closed on bank holidays)

Step 3: Think about consolidating

At this stage, if you've identified a bunch of old pensions scattered around with different providers, you might want to bring them together into one place – it can make things easier to manage and potentially cut down on fees.

This process is called pension consolidation. It sounds like a no-brainer but there are some things you should consider before diving in, such as exit fees when you transfer out and the risk of losing special benefits (common with older pensions or 'Defined Benefit' schemes often owned by those who have worked in the state sector).

Some providers offer their own consolidation services. We've pulled together a shortlist of who we think is the best for pension consolidation.

However, if you're unsure about consolidation and particularly if you have any DB pensions, it's a good idea to run your decision by a qualified financial adviser who can help work out what’s best for you.

We hope you found this helpful!